In Lexington, Virginia, family law matters including divorce, custody, and support are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Lexington
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 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and a signed separation agreement exists, or a 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the best interests of the child, considering 10 factors. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Resources
Review the official statutes: Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) and the Lexington General District Court website for local procedures.
Insider Procedural Edge: Lexington Family Law
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. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File a complaint for divorce at Lexington Circuit Court, 2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation to attempt resolution of property division, custody, and support issues.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to trial where the court applies Va. Code § 20-107.3 factors.
- Receive final decree of divorce after the court approves the settlement or issues a ruling.
In Lexington, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and spousal support calculations under state statutes.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | Lexington Circuit Court | ~$86 | Sheriff service: ~$12 |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Lexington Circuit Court | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies | Lexington J&DR Court | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hour |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing | Lexington J&DR Court | ~$86 | Modification: additional filing fee |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Varies | Lexington Circuit Court | ~$86 | Forensic accountant: $200-$500/hour |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Lexington Family Law Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a landmark achievement that demonstrates deep knowledge of family law at the legislative level. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our team also includes Samantha Rae Powers, VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. She handles family law matters in Virginia.
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. While these results are specific to Lexington, they demonstrate our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Lexington courts. Our Richmond location is accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, and Route 60.
Family law lawyer near Lexington: Serving Lexington, Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Washington and Lee University, and surrounding communities.
Neighborhoods served: Lexington.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Contact: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Lexington, Virginia
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. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion. 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?
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. Additional costs may include forensic accountants for complex property division.
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 from 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 cases. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer
- Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Lexington DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Attorney Profile: Bryan Block
- 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 current guidance.