Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington family law cases are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented results in Lexington with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters in Lexington Circuit Court. We handle the details of your case with a case-specific approach.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for 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), and § 20-124.3 (child custody best interests). Virginia requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation when minor children are involved.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court-specific information for Lexington is available at the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Family Court Procedures
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2 South Main Street. 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 with the complaint and summons.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a pendente lite motion. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, complete interrogatories, and conduct depositions if needed. This phase establishes the marital estate.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Negotiate a property settlement agreement. If agreement is not reached, the court may order mediation before trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at Lexington Circuit Court for final determination of all issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Lexington
In Lexington, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state (not 50/50), child support follows state guidelines based on combined income, and spousal support considers 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court Costs | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault after 6-month/1-year separation | $86 filing fee + service fees | 2-4 months (uncontested) |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Varies by complexity |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (11 factors) | Business valuation: $2,500-$10,000+ | 12-24 months (complex) |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Minimal court costs for modification | Establishment at final hearing |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Lexington Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ firm-wide case results.
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
Case Results in Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our experience includes successful resolution of complex equitable distribution cases involving business assets and retirement accounts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. As a family law lawyer near Lexington, we represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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). Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
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. 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer. In Lexington, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases.
Learn more about our attorneys’ experience or visit our Richmond office page for location details.
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.