Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
In Lexington, Virginia, divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Lexington
Virginia family law governs divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, child support, and spousal support. 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 fair division. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application.
For divorce grounds, Virginia law under Va. Code § 20-91 allows no-fault divorce after 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, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Child custody decisions in Lexington follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which considers 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income under Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Virginia Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly legislative information system. For court rules, procedures, and forms specific to Lexington, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Lexington Family Law Process
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Lexington 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- File the Complaint: File a complaint for divorce at Lexington Circuit Court, 2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450. Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: Have your spouse served with the complaint by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Negotiate a Settlement: Work with your attorney to negotiate a property settlement agreement covering asset division, spousal support, and child-related issues.
- Attend Mediation (if required): Participate in mediation at $100-$300 per hour per party to resolve outstanding issues.
- Final Hearing: Appear at the final hearing with a corroborating witness. The judge will review your agreement and enter the final divorce decree.
In Lexington, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support calculated by guideline, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Key Statute | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month or 1-year separation | 2-4 months (uncontested); 9-18 months (contested) | Lexington Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-91 | Corroborating witness required |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division based on 11 factors | Part of divorce timeline | Lexington Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Personally amended by Mr. Sris |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | 21-60 days for pendente lite hearing | Lexington J&DR Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Ongoing until child emancipation | Lexington J&DR Court | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Modification available upon change of circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors considered | Duration varies by case | Lexington Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Modifiable upon material change |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Lexington Family Law Cases
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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 documented, real-world achievement that no other family law attorney in Lexington can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Lexington specifically, the firm has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results demonstrate the firm’s commitment to achieving positive outcomes for Lexington clients.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also handles Lexington family law cases. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and founded the firm in 1997.
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements for Lexington clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). The Richmond office is accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, and Route 60. We serve clients throughout Lexington and surrounding areas.
Neighborhoods served: Lexington.
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, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and 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 in Lexington
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington
- DUI/DWI Lawyer in Lexington
- Our Richmond Location
- Bryan Block — Former VA State Trooper
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.