In Lexington, Virginia, family law matters such as divorce and custody are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. A Family Law Lawyer Lexington can help you understand your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court considers 11 factors for property division. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. A Family Law Lawyer Lexington can guide you through this process. For child custody, the court applies the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, evaluating 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent.
For official legal references, see Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Lexington General District Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce or custody at Lexington Circuit Court (2 South Main Street).
- Serve the other party with legal papers via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody orders.
- Complete financial disclosure and property valuation if equitable distribution is contested.
- Participate in mediation (optional but recommended) to resolve issues without trial.
- Attend final hearing or submit agreed order for uncontested divorce.
In Lexington, Virginia, family law matters carry potential outcomes including divorce, custody orders, and property division. Penalties for non-compliance can include contempt of court.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (custody/support) | Civil/Criminal | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Civil | None (civil) | Arrears + interest | Driver’s license suspension | Tax refund intercept, credit reporting |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Lexington, we have 14 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location is accessible via I-81 and I-64, serving clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We serve the Lexington community, including neighborhoods near Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University. If you need a family legal matters lawyer Lexington, contact us today.
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: 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 Lexington, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $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 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 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.
Internal links: Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico Family Law Lawyer | Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer