Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Lexington, Virginia, where divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution by Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our firm has 14 documented case results in Lexington, helping clients handle divorce, child custody, and property division. We offer a case-specific approach to protect your rights and achieve favorable outcomes in Lexington Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Lexington
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes that apply in Lexington. Divorce grounds are established under Va. Code § 20-91, requiring either a no-fault separation period (6 months or 1 year) or fault grounds like adultery or cruelty. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, which requires a fair, but not necessarily equal, division of marital assets based on 11 factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court forms and procedures specific to Lexington, refer to the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Family Court Process
Family law cases in Lexington are heard in Lexington Circuit Court for divorce and property matters, and Lexington Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce, custody, or support complaint at the Lexington Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse or the other parent by a sheriff, process server, or through their attorney.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to gather evidence on assets, income, and parenting roles.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to try to resolve property division, support, and custody issues.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge at Lexington Circuit Court for a final decision on all contested issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Lexington
In Lexington, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation, and child support is calculated using state guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault or Fault | Lexington Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Lexington Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Lexington J&DR Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Guideline Calculation | Lexington J&DR Court | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Spousal Support | 13 Factor Analysis | Lexington Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
Results may vary. The outcomes described depend on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the development of state family law. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to serving Lexington clients.
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 in Lexington across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. These results include cases involving divorce, child custody disputes, and complex property division.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are a family law lawyer near Lexington, accessible via I-81 and I-64. We serve the Lexington area and surrounding communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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). Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal services in Lexington, consider our criminal defense or DUI defense attorneys. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.