In Colonial Heights, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Colonial Heights with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Last verified: April 2026
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Colonial Heights, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
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, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires 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 (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. 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 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the official text of Virginia’s divorce and family law statutes, visit Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, see the Colonial Heights General District Court website.
Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Colonial Heights 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.
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility. Verify you meet Virginia’s residency requirement (at least 6 months in Virginia) and separation period (6 months without minor children, 1 year with minor children).
- Step 2: File a Complaint. File a divorce complaint at Colonial Heights Circuit Court, 550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. The filing fee is approximately $86.
- Step 3: Serve Your Spouse. Have your spouse served with the complaint. Sheriff service costs approximately $12; private process server costs $50-$100.
- Step 4: Negotiate a Settlement. Work with your attorney to negotiate a property settlement agreement covering asset division, spousal support, and child-related matters.
- Step 5: Attend the Hearing. Present your case at the final hearing. Uncontested divorces typically require a brief hearing with a corroborating witness.
- Step 6: Obtain Final Decree. The court issues a final divorce decree. Uncontested cases take 2-4 months; contested cases take 9-18 months or longer.
In Colonial Heights, family law matters carry significant financial and personal consequences. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, and the court divides property fairly but not necessarily equally.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Range | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees | Property division, spousal support |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $5,000-$20,000+ | Complex asset division, custody evaluation |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | 3-12 months | $500-$2,500+ (GAL) | Parenting time, decision-making authority |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | 30-90 days | Varies by income | Wage garnishment, contempt |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | 3-12 months | Varies by income | Modification, termination |
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 achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, which is a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law matters requiring advanced strategy. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results in Colonial Heights across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include a reckless driving charge (76/55) dismissed at Colonial Heights GDC, a speeding charge (53/35) dismissed, and a reckless driving charge (passing school bus) amended to improper driving.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Colonial Heights courts (550 Boulevard). Colonial Heights is accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 144 (Temple Avenue), and Route 36. The courthouse is near Southpark Mall and the James River.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Colonial Heights? We serve the Colonial Heights community.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Colonial Heights, 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 Colonial Heights, Virginia?
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). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
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). Colonial Heights Circuit Court (550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
Custody in Colonial Heights 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. Colonial Heights J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Colonial Heights 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 Colonial Heights Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
We also serve Henrico County and Chesterfield County.
If you need criminal defense representation, see our Colonial Heights Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
Learn more about our team: Bryan Block, Of Counsel (Former Virginia 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.