Roanoke County Family Law Lawyer — How Can We Protect Your Family?
Family law matters in Roanoke County are governed by Virginia statutes, including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases. Our firm, founded in 1997, uses a case-specific approach to handle the details of your family law situation. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law covers divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, and property division. The primary statutes are found in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. For example, Va. Code § 20-91 outlines grounds for divorce, and Va. Code § 20-124.3 lists factors for determining the child’s best interests in custody cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Roanoke County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For local court forms and procedures, refer to the Roanoke County Circuit Court website.
Family Law Process in Roanoke County
Family law cases in Roanoke County are heard in the Circuit Court. The process often involves multiple hearings and requires detailed financial disclosure.
- File a Complaint: File the initial complaint or petition with the Roanoke County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the required filing fee or request a fee waiver if eligible.
- Serve the Other Party: Ensure the other party is properly served with the legal documents according to Virginia rules of civil procedure.
- Attend Preliminary Hearings: Attend any scheduled preliminary hearings, such as pendente lite hearings for temporary support or custody orders.
- Complete Discovery: Exchange financial documents and other relevant information through the discovery process, which may include interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt Settlement: Participate in settlement negotiations or mediation to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to Trial: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a Roanoke County Circuit Court judge, who will issue a final order.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Roanoke County, family law cases do not carry criminal penalties but determine critical rights regarding children, support, and property.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Joint legal custody, sole custody, shared physical custody, visitation schedule |
| Child Support | Virginia statutory guidelines | Monthly payment based on parental income, healthcare, childcare costs |
| Spousal Support | Factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary or permanent support, amount and duration vary |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of marital property and debts |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its specific facts and circumstances.
Our Experience in 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 attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally contributed to the amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. We bring this deep understanding of Virginia law to every Roanoke County family law case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Virginia recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds. The most common no-fault ground is living separate and apart for one year (or six months with no minor children and a separation agreement). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
How is child custody determined in Roanoke County?
The court determines custody based on the child’s best interests. Factors include each parent’s relationship with the child, ability to provide care, and willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. The court may award joint legal custody, sole custody, or shared physical custody.
How is child support calculated in Virginia?
Virginia uses statutory guidelines based on both parents’ gross incomes, the number of children, work-related childcare costs, and health insurance premiums. The court can deviate from the guidelines for specific reasons, such as a child’s special needs or a parent’s voluntary unemployment.
What is equitable distribution of property?
Equitable distribution is the division of marital property and debts upon divorce. The court classifies assets as marital or separate and divides marital property fairly, not necessarily equally. Factors include each spouse’s contributions, the marriage’s duration, and economic circumstances.
Can a custody or support order be modified?
Yes, if there is a material change in circumstances affecting the child’s welfare or a parent’s ability to pay. The parent seeking modification must file a petition with the court that issued the original order and prove the change warrants a new arrangement.
Family Law Help in Roanoke County
Our Roanoke location at 2108 Colonial Ave SW is centrally located to serve Roanoke County. We are a family law lawyer near Roanoke County Circuit Court. We serve clients in Roanoke County and surrounding communities like Salem, Vinton, and Hollins. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
2108 Colonial Ave SW
Roanoke, VA 24015
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
More Legal Information
For an overview of Virginia family law, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, our Salem family law lawyer can assist. For related legal needs in Roanoke County, consider our Roanoke County criminal defense lawyer services. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.