In Chesterfield County, Virginia divorce follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. You need a Kinship Adoption Lawyer Chesterfield County who understands local court procedures. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to determine what is fair. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving your case a unique advantage. A Kinship Adoption Lawyer Chesterfield County from our firm can explain how these factors apply to your situation.
For no-fault divorce, Virginia requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. A relative adoption lawyer Chesterfield County can help you handle these requirements.
For adoption matters in Chesterfield County, Virginia law governs the process under Va. Code § 63.2-1200 et seq. A family member adoption lawyer Chesterfield County understands the specific requirements for kinship placements, including home studies, background checks, and consent requirements.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File a complaint for divorce at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Attend mediation (available but not mandatory in Virginia).
- Negotiate a property settlement agreement covering all issues.
- Attend final hearing with corroborating witness for uncontested divorce.
In Chesterfield County, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support under Virginia guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee | 6-month separation required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 + service costs | May require Guardian ad Litem |
| Child Custody | Best interests | Varies | $500-$2,500+ GAL | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Guidelines | Ongoing | Based on income | Shared custody adjustments |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a unique credential that no other family law firm in Chesterfield County can claim.
Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.” We bring this global perspective to every Chesterfield County family law case.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on all Chesterfield County family law cases. His personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 gives our clients an unmatched advantage in equitable distribution proceedings.
In Chesterfield County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
Looking for a family law lawyer near Chesterfield County? Our office is conveniently located to serve Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
How long does a divorce take in Chesterfield County, 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. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs may apply for complex cases.
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). Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Custody in Chesterfield 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. Chesterfield County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court. A Kinship Adoption Lawyer Chesterfield County can explain how these grounds apply to your situation.
Can a relative adopt a child in Chesterfield County?
Yes. Virginia law allows relative adoptions under Va. Code § 63.2-1200 et seq. A relative adoption lawyer Chesterfield County can guide you through the process, which includes home studies, background checks, and consent requirements. The court prioritizes placement with family members when possible.
What does a family member adoption lawyer Chesterfield County do?
A family member adoption lawyer Chesterfield County handles the legal process for grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives seeking to adopt a child. This includes filing petitions, obtaining consent, completing home studies, and representing you in Chesterfield County J&DR Court or Circuit Court.
Learn more about Virginia Family Law Lawyer. Our firm also serves Henrico County and Colonial Heights. For other legal needs in Chesterfield County, see our criminal defense and DUI/DWI pages.
Meet our attorney: Bryan Block. Visit our Richmond office location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.