Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Lexington, Virginia. Lexington family law matters are governed by statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). The firm has 14 documented case results in Lexington. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division at the Lexington Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Lexington
Family law in Lexington is defined by the Virginia Code. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily 50/50—based on 11 statutory factors. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests, while child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
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
All divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters are filed at the Lexington Circuit Court at 2 South Main Street. Standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders are handled by the Lexington Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- 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 sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend the scheduled hearing before a judge.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the formal legal discovery process.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a Lexington Circuit Court judge.
Lexington Family Law Penalties & Costs
In Lexington, family law proceedings involve court costs and fees, not criminal penalties. A divorce complaint filing fee is approximately $86 at the Circuit Court.
| Proceeding | Court | Typical Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | $86 filing + service fees | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | $86 filing + discovery + trial costs | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody Case | Lexington J&DR Court | Filing fee + possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | 6-12 months |
| Mediation Session | Court-referred or private | $100-$300/hour per party | Varies |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Lexington Family Law
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 family law cases in Lexington. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our team direct insight into the law’s application. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of your Lexington Circuit Court or J&DR Court matter.
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 successful divorce settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and negotiated property divisions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters at the Lexington courts. We represent individuals throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities. For a family law lawyer near Lexington, contact us for 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 a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. A pendente lite hearing for temporary orders is usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Lexington, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is about $86. Additional costs include sheriff service ($12), private process server ($50-$100), possible Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Total cost depends on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property acquired before marriage, by inheritance, or gift is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Lexington, Virginia?
Custody is decided based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s needs. Lexington J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with other matters in Lexington, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer services. Learn more about our attorneys.
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 regarding your Lexington family law case.