Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled at Lexington Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Lexington
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that apply in Lexington. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property, § 20-124.3 for child custody based on the child’s best interests, and § 20-108.1 for child support guidelines. These statutes determine how your case will be decided in Lexington Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
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 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Family Court Process
Family law cases in Lexington follow specific local procedures. Lexington Circuit Court at 2 South Main Street handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, and child support cases.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your divorce, custody, or support matter. Bring relevant documents.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint for divorce or petition for custody/support at Lexington Circuit Court or J&DR Court with the required $86 filing fee.
- Service of process and response period: The other party is served with the legal papers. They have 21 days to file an answer. Temporary hearings for support or custody may be scheduled.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information and other evidence. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Mediation or trial preparation: If settlement talks fail, the court may order mediation. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at 2 South Main Street.
- Final hearing and decree: The judge issues a final order addressing all issues. The decree is filed with the court clerk, officially ending the marriage or establishing custody/support.
Lexington Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Lexington, family law matters involve specific procedures and potential outcomes rather than penalties. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ | May involve trial on grounds or property |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | $86+ | 10 statutory factors under § 20-124.3 |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division | 12-24 months if complex | Included in divorce | 11 factors under § 20-107.3 |
| Child Support | Guidelines-based | Establishment: 1-3 months | $86+ | Based on combined gross income |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Our Experience in Lexington Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm unique insight into property division cases. We provide global advocacy with local precision for 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 we have handled. These results include successful divorce settlements, custody arrangements, and support agreements case-specific to our clients’ needs.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Representation Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at 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. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with 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. 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; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
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 (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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Services
For more information on family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Lexington, see our Lexington criminal defense lawyer or Lexington DUI/DWI lawyer. 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.