In Lexington, Virginia family law matters including divorce and custody fall under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law is governed by multiple statutes. Divorce grounds are found in Va. Code § 20-91. Equitable distribution of marital property follows Va. Code § 20-107.3 — a statute Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody decisions use the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows Virginia guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support is determined by 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases. Lexington Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and support matters. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case.
For the complete text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, see Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and filing information, visit the Lexington General District Court website (official Virginia Courts).
- File a complaint for divorce at Lexington Circuit Court, 2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450. Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons. Sheriff service costs approximately $12; private process server costs $50-$100.
- File a pendente lite motion if you need temporary support or custody orders. Hearings typically set within 21-60 days.
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court. Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party.
- Final hearing for uncontested divorce requires at least one corroborating witness. Final decree issued 2-4 months after filing.
In Lexington, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, no-fault divorce after separation periods, and child support calculated under Virginia guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year (with minor children) | 2-4 months from filing | $86 filing fee + $12 sheriff service | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Same separation requirements; fault grounds available | 9-18 months | Higher litigation costs | May require Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies by complexity | Mediation $100-$300/hour | 10 factors considered |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair but not necessarily equal division | 12-24 months for complex cases | Business valuation costs | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law attorney in Virginia can claim. His background as a former prosecutor provides unique insight into courtroom strategy and case evaluation. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris provides secondary oversight on all Lexington family law cases, bringing his 28+ years of experience and his personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 to every matter.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). Accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, and Route 60. Serving Lexington and surrounding communities.
Family law lawyer near Lexington — near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.
Neighborhoods served: Lexington.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Lexington, 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. Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorces.
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. Pendente lite motion: additional court costs. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs may include forensic accountants for complex property division. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
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 (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded from division.
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. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. 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.
What is a Support Contempt Lawyer Lexington and when do I need one?
You need a Support Contempt Lawyer Lexington when the other party fails to pay court-ordered child support or spousal support. Contempt of court motions can be filed to enforce support orders. Lexington J&DR Court handles support contempt matters. The court can impose penalties including wage garnishment, license suspension, or jail time for willful non-payment. Mr. Sris has experience handling support enforcement and contempt proceedings in Lexington courts.
What is a Contempt of Court Motion Lawyer Lexington and how can they help?
A Contempt of Court Motion Lawyer Lexington handles cases where one party violates court orders. This includes failure to pay support, denial of visitation, or refusal to comply with property division orders. The court can impose sanctions including fines, attorney fees, or incarceration. Lexington Circuit Court handles contempt for divorce-related orders. Lexington J&DR Court handles contempt for custody and support orders. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has experience with contempt proceedings in Lexington.
What is a Court Order Violation Lawyer Lexington and what constitutes a violation?
A Court Order Violation Lawyer Lexington addresses situations where a party disobeys a court order. Violations include failing to pay support, refusing to return children after visitation, or not transferring property as ordered. The court can hold the violating party in contempt. Penalties may include fines, attorney fee awards, or jail time. Lexington courts take violations seriously. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you file or defend against contempt motions in Lexington.
For more information about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For family law matters in nearby localities, see our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer pages. For other legal needs in Lexington, explore our Lexington criminal defense lawyer or Lexington DUI lawyer pages.
Learn more about our attorneys: Bryan Block. Visit our Richmond office location.
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.