Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington family law cases are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and support matters in Lexington Circuit Court. Our firm, founded in 1997, uses a case-specific approach to handle the details of your family law situation.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Lexington
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91. Child custody decisions follow the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
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 6.1 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. 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 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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and legal options under Virginia family law statutes.
- Collect all relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, property deeds, and any existing agreements. Full disclosure is required under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
- File the divorce or custody complaint at the Lexington Circuit Court clerk’s office, 2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party with the complaint through sheriff service ($12) or private process server. The respondent has 21 days to file an answer.
- Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and, if necessary, a final hearing before a judge at Lexington Circuit Court for a decree.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Lexington, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, potential spousal support based on 13 factors, and child support calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Lexington Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees | Lexington Circuit |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Property Division | 12-24 months | Filing fees + valuation experts | Lexington Circuit |
| Child Custody (standalone) | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Lexington J&DR |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our tagline is “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 in Lexington across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and reduced support obligations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. We are a family law lawyer near Lexington, serving 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. 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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 (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) 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; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Services
For more information on family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Lexington, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.