Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
In Lexington, family law matters include divorce, child custody, support, and property division under Virginia’s equitable distribution system.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Lexington
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests standard), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. The firm was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia Legislative Information System. For court-specific procedures and forms, refer to the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Family Court Procedures
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.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Lexington Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the complaint to your spouse.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process.
- Attempt mediation: Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach a settlement agreement.
- Attend final hearing: Present your case at a final hearing before a judge if no settlement is reached.
Lexington Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Lexington, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties, with divorce filing fees starting at approximately $86 and additional costs for service, motions, and potential Guardian ad Litem appointments.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | $86 | Service: $12-$100 | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | $86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hr; GAL: $500-$2,500+ | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody (standalone) | Lexington J&DR Court | Varies | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | 3-9 months |
| Child Support Establishment | Lexington J&DR Court | Varies | Minimal | 1-3 months |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law provides unique insight into property division cases. The firm’s tagline reflects its approach: “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
Lexington Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters handled. These results include divorces with equitable distribution agreements, child custody arrangements, and support orders.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Serving Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). The office is accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, and Route 60. We provide family law lawyer services near Lexington, Virginia Military Institute (VMI), and Washington and Lee University.
We serve the Lexington area and surrounding communities. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Lexington, 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Lexington, 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.
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.
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.
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
For more information on family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law.
If you need other legal services in Lexington, consider our Lexington criminal defense lawyer or Lexington DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.