Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Greene County, Virginia
Virginia family law is governed by statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support), and § 20-124.2 (custody). The law requires a separation period before filing for no-fault divorce and uses an equitable (fair) standard to divide marital property, not a 50/50 split.
Last verified: March 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia family law statutes: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Greene County court information: Greene County General District Court website.
Greene County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Greene County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint at the Greene County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100). File proof of service.
- If needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief for temporary support or custody. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial documents and other evidence. Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
- If settlement fails, prepare for a final hearing. Present evidence on property division, support, and custody.
- Obtain the final decree of divorce and orders from the judge. The order becomes effective upon entry by the clerk.
In Greene County, family law matters involve court-ordered divisions and support obligations, not criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property and statutory guidelines for child support.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after 6-month/1-year separation; fault grounds available | 2-24 months | $86 filing fee + service + possible GAL/mediation |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Varies with complexity | Forensic accountant: $2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Standalone: 3-9 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Established at hearing | Court costs for modification/enforcement |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration varies | Potential tax implications |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative influence in Virginia family law.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Greene County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters handled locally.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax Location serves clients at the Greene County courts (85 Stanard Street). We are a family law lawyer near Greene County, accessible via Route 29 and Route 33. We serve Stanardsville, Ruckersville, and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Greene County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Greene County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Greene County Circuit Court (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Greene County, Virginia?
Custody in Greene County is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Greene County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Greene County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Greene County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Fairfax County and Falls Church City. For other legal needs in Greene County, consider our criminal defense lawyer or DUI/DWI lawyer services. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.