In Chesterfield 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 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. A Relative Adoption Lawyer Chesterfield County can help with kinship placements. Contact us for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds); § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris); § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines); § 20-124.2 (custody best interests); § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors) (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved, or 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child support follows Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support considers 13 statutory factors. A Relative Adoption Lawyer Chesterfield County handles kinship adoption petitions in this jurisdiction.
For the official text of Virginia’s family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
- File a divorce complaint at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road). Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($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 (optional but recommended; $100-$300/hour per party).
- Finalize the divorce with a final decree hearing. Uncontested cases take 2-4 months; contested cases take 9-18 months.
A kinship adoption petition lawyer Chesterfield County can guide you through the process of adopting a relative child. A family member adoption lawyer Chesterfield County handles adoptions by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives.
In Chesterfield County, family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody, child support, and spousal support under Virginia law.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Key Statute | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee | Va. Code § 20-91 | 6-month separation required (no minor children) |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + litigation costs | Va. Code § 20-91 | 1-year separation required (with minor children) |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-124.2 | 10 factors considered |
| Child Support | Guidelines-based | Ongoing | Based on income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Combined gross income formula |
| Spousal Support | 13-factor analysis | Ongoing | Varies | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration depends on marriage length |
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 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, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on all Chesterfield County family law cases. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has been practicing since 1997.
In Chesterfield County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). The location is accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
Looking for a family law lawyer near Chesterfield County? We serve Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
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.
How long does a divorce take in Chesterfield 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 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 Chesterfield County, 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). Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Custody in Chesterfield 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. Chesterfield County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Chesterfield County 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court. Filing fee: approximately $86.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.