Hanover County family law matters — divorce, custody, support — are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 documented case results in Hanover County. A Relative Adoption Lawyer Hanover County can guide you through kinship placements.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child custody follows the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support considers 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) — divorce grounds and separation requirements. Hanover County General District Court — court website for local procedures.
Hanover County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Hanover County 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 Hanover County Circuit Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069). Filing fee: 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 typically set within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation (optional, $100-$300/hour per party) or proceed to trial.
- Obtain final decree of divorce after 6-month or 1-year separation period.
In Hanover County, family law matters carry no criminal penalties but involve financial and custodial consequences determined by the court.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (no-fault) | Civil | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | Equitable distribution of marital property |
| Child custody | Civil | None | GAL $500-$2,500+ | None | Parenting time restrictions |
| Child support | Civil | None | Guidelines-based | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment |
| Spousal support | Civil | None | 13-factor analysis | None | Modification possible |
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 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ total case results firm-wide (93%+ favorable outcome rate). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a unique credential in the family law market. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder of the firm, provides secondary oversight on complex family law cases in Hanover County. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has 30+ years of combined legal experience across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 total documented case results across all practice areas in Hanover County (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is accessible from Hanover County courts (7507 Library Drive) via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33. We serve Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. A kinship adoption petition lawyer Hanover County can assist with family member placements. A family member adoption lawyer Hanover County handles relative adoptions.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
How long does a divorce take in Hanover County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Hanover County, Virginia?
Yes. Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs may apply for complex cases.
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 Hanover County, Virginia?
It depends. Custody 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. Hanover County J&DR Court handles standalone custody 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 Hanover County Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.