
In Roanoke County, Virginia family law cases follow equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 34 documented results in Roanoke County with a 94% favorable outcome rate. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. The Commonwealth is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. Roanoke County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every family law case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Roanoke County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For the complete statutory framework governing Virginia family law, review Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and local rules, visit the Roanoke County General District Court website.
Roanoke County Circuit Court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. The court schedules pendente lite hearings within 21-60 days of filing for temporary support and custody orders.
- File a complaint for divorce at Roanoke County Circuit Court, 305 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion if temporary support or custody is needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Complete financial disclosure and attend mediation if ordered by the court.
- Attend the uncontested hearing with a corroborating witness or proceed to trial for contested issues.
In Roanoke County, Virginia family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support under state guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Key Statute | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Va. Code § 20-91 | 6-month separation required (no minor children) |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees | Va. Code § 20-91 | 1-year separation with minor children |
| Child Custody | Best interests | Varies | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-124.2 | 10-factor analysis |
| Child Support | Guidelines | Ongoing | Mediation: $100-$300/hour | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Based on combined gross income |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary | Varies | Attorney fees vary | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | 13-factor analysis |
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 has documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, providing the firm with unparalleled authority in family law matters. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Ms. Powers brings extensive litigation experience and a deep understanding of family law to every Roanoke County case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 34 total documented case results across all practice areas in Roanoke County, with a 94% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Roanoke County courts (305 East Main Street), accessible via I-81, I-581, Route 11, Route 419, and Route 220.
Family law lawyer near Roanoke County — serving Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, and Catawba.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Roanoke 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: 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 Roanoke 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 include pendente lite motions and attorney fees.
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). Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Roanoke County, Virginia?
Custody in Roanoke 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. Roanoke County J&DR Court handles standalone custody 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 Roanoke County Circuit Court.
Learn more about Virginia family law. Compare with Shenandoah County family law lawyer or Frederick County family law lawyer. See also Roanoke County criminal defense lawyer and Roanoke County DUI lawyer.
View the profile of Bryan Block.
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.