Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
In Lexington, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Divorce and Family Law Statutes in Lexington
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning 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). No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
Insider Procedural Edge: Lexington Family Law Cases
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Lexington 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- Step 1: Meet the Virginia separation requirement — 6 months (no minor children) or 1 year (with minor children).
- Step 2: Draft and sign a property settlement agreement covering asset division, support, and custody.
- Step 3: File a complaint for divorce at Lexington Circuit Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450).
- Step 4: Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Step 5: Attend the uncontested hearing with a corroborating witness.
- Step 6: Receive the final decree of divorce from the court.
In Lexington, Virginia, family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support guidelines, and spousal support factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 + attorney fees | Equitable distribution hearing |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | 3-6 months | $500-$2,500+ GAL | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | 30-60 days | Guidelines calculation | Based on combined gross income |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Varies | Duration and amount determined by court |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Lexington Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81 and I-64.
Family law lawyer near Lexington — serving clients at Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Washington and Lee University, and throughout Rockbridge County.
Neighborhoods served: Lexington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Lexington, Virginia
How long does a divorce take in Lexington, Virginia?
It depends. 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. 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 Lexington, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs vary based on complexity.
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). Lexington Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Lexington, Virginia?
Custody in Lexington 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. Lexington J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Lexington 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 Lexington Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Services
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.