Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington, Virginia family law cases are governed by statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and support matters in Lexington Circuit Court. We use a case-specific approach based on our experience with Virginia family law procedures.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Lexington
Virginia family law is defined by several key statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the best interests factors for child custody decisions. Va. Code § 20-108.1 provides the guidelines for calculating child support.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Family Court Process
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.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Lexington Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a judge at the Lexington Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Lexington, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties. Virginia uses an equitable distribution system under Va. Code § 20-107.3, where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault: 6-month or 1-year separation | Lexington Circuit Court | 2-24 months | Separation period, fault grounds |
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Lexington Circuit Court | 9-24 months | 11 statutory factors |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Lexington J&DR Court | 3-12 months | 10 factors under § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Lexington J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Combined gross income |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Lexington Circuit Court | Varies | Need and ability to pay |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
Case Results in Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. As a family law lawyer near Lexington, we serve the Lexington area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Related Legal Services
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Lexington, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. 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.