In Lexington, Virginia, divorce is governed by equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. A Standby Guardianship Lawyer Lexington can help you plan for your children’s future. Contact us for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Lexington
Virginia family law is governed by several key statutes. Divorce grounds are found under Va. Code § 20-91, which allows for no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (with no minor children and a signed separation agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the best interests of the child. Child support follows Virginia guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For court procedures and forms, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce at Lexington Circuit Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion if you need temporary support, custody, or use of the marital home.
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended; $100-$300/hour per party).
- Attend the uncontested divorce hearing with a corroborating witness.
- Receive the final decree of divorce from the court.
In Lexington, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and spousal support awards based on statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault; 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months from filing | $86 filing fee + $12 sheriff service | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + discovery costs | May require forensic accountant |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | 3-6 months (J&DR Court) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Mediation available but not mandatory |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing; modifiable | Varies by income | Enforcement through wage withholding |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Ongoing; modifiable | Varies by income | Tax treatment changed under TCJA |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Lexington Family Law Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is a rare and powerful credential that demonstrates deep knowledge of Virginia family law at the legislative level. Our firm has firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We serve clients in Lexington from our Richmond location, by appointment only.
Our team also includes Samantha Rae Powers, who handles family law matters in Virginia. She holds a J.D./M.A. from the University of Florida (2005) and a Ph.D. in Communication from UCSB (2017), with over 18 years of experience.
Lexington Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While family law cases are unique and results depend on specific circumstances, our track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
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. We are a family law lawyer near Lexington, serving the Lexington community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Lexington
How long does a divorce take in Lexington, Virginia?
It depends. 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. 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?
It depends. 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). 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Our state-level hub for family law services.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — Serving a nearby locality.
- Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer — Related legal services in the same locality.
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.