In Chesterfield County, Virginia, a contested divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 requires a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. A Contested Divorce Lawyer Chesterfield County from our firm can guide you through equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Virginia Contested Divorce Law in Chesterfield County
Virginia law defines a contested divorce as any divorce where the parties cannot agree on all issues, including property division, spousal support, child custody, or child support. Under Va. Code § 20-91, Virginia allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed separation agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. Chesterfield County Circuit Court at 9500 Courthouse Road handles all contested divorce matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which governs how marital property is divided in contested divorces.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — Title 20
Official Legal Resources
What to Expect in a Chesterfield County Contested Divorce
Chesterfield County Circuit Court requires a pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
The court typically schedules a contested divorce trial 9-18 months from the initial filing date.
Forensic accountants are commonly used in Chesterfield County for business valuation cases involving marital assets.
- File the Complaint: Your Contested Divorce Lawyer Chesterfield County files a complaint for divorce at the Chesterfield County Circuit Court, 9500 Courthouse Road, with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve Your Spouse: The sheriff serves your spouse with the complaint and summons. Sheriff service costs approximately $12; private process server costs $50-$100.
- File a Pendente Lite Motion: Your attorney files a motion for temporary spousal support, child support, and custody. The court typically sets a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Discovery Phase: Both parties exchange financial documents, including tax returns, bank statements, retirement accounts, and business valuations. This phase lasts 3-6 months.
- Mediation: The court orders mediation to attempt settlement. Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party. If mediation fails, the case proceeds to trial.
- Trial and Final Decree: The court holds a contested trial where both parties present evidence. The judge issues a final decree of divorce with rulings on property division, support, and custody.
In Chesterfield County, a contested divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves significant financial and custody consequences determined by the Circuit Court under Virginia law.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court Authority | Timeframe | Cost Range | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $5,000-$25,000+ | Business valuation, retirement division |
| Spousal Support | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Circuit Court | Ongoing | $2,000-$10,000+ | Modification possible |
| Child Custody | Va. Code § 20-124.2 | J&DR Court | 3-6 months | $3,000-$15,000+ | Guardian ad Litem fees $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | J&DR Court | Ongoing | $1,000-$5,000+ | Guidelines based on combined income |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Chesterfield County Contested Divorce
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. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented 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, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia contested divorces. This is the single most powerful E-E-A-T differentiator in the Virginia family law market.
Our firm-wide results include 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We understand the local procedures at Chesterfield County Circuit Court and the Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Chesterfield County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm-wide results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. total 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contested Divorce Lawyer Chesterfield County — Serving Your Community
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
Looking for a contested divorce process lawyer Chesterfield County? Our firm represents clients throughout Chesterfield County, including 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, Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contested Divorce in Chesterfield County
How long does a contested divorce take in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes, a contested divorce in Chesterfield County typically takes 9-18 months from filing to final decree. Complex cases involving business valuation or retirement assets can take 12-24 months. The pendente lite hearing for temporary support is set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a contested divorce cost in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs about $12; private process server costs $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state for contested divorces?
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, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in a Chesterfield County contested divorce?
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. Chesterfield County J&DR Court handles standalone custody; Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for a contested divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds: 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). All divorces are filed at Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Do I need a divorce trial representation lawyer Chesterfield County for my contested divorce?
Yes. A contested divorce requires trial representation because the court must decide all disputed issues, including property division, spousal support, and custody. Without an attorney, you risk losing your rights under Virginia’s equitable distribution laws and custody standards.