Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Augusta County, Virginia
Augusta County family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled at the Augusta County Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented case results in Augusta County. 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.
In Augusta County, Virginia, family law cases are governed by state statutes including those for divorce, child custody, and property division, which our attorneys handle regularly.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Augusta County
Virginia family law is codified in the Code of Virginia. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-124.3 (child custody best interests), and § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines). Mr. Sris, the managing attorney, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor.
Last verified: March 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Augusta County Family Law Process
Augusta County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation and Case Assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your specific family law situation, goals, and the applicable Virginia statutes.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the Augusta County Circuit Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial and other relevant information. Your lawyer will negotiate for a settlement agreement on issues like property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Trial: If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to hearings (e.g., pendente lite) and potentially a trial before a judge at the Augusta County Circuit Court.
- Final Order and Decree: The court issues a final order or decree that legally resolves all matters, including divorce, property division, child custody, and support.
Augusta County Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Augusta County, family law involves court-ordered resolutions, not criminal penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, and no-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 + service | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or Fault | 9-18 months | ~$86 + costs | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Property Division | 12-24 months | ~$86 + experienced fees | Business valuation or retirement assets |
| Child Custody (J&DR) | Best Interests | Varies | Separate filing | 10 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. The firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. In Augusta County, we have 13 documented case results across all practice areas.
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
Augusta County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented case results in Augusta County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters handled locally.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Augusta County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Augusta County courts (6 East Johnson Street, Staunton), accessible via I-81 and I-64. We are a family law lawyer near Staunton and Waynesboro.
We serve the communities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Augusta County, 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 Augusta County, 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). Augusta County Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Augusta County, Virginia?
Custody in Augusta County 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. Augusta County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Augusta County 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 Augusta County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Resources
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.