Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesterfield County, Virginia
In Chesterfield County, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. A Separation Lawyer Chesterfield County can guide you through the separation and divorce process.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This means marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors to determine a fair division. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. A legal separation agreement lawyer Chesterfield County can help you draft a separation agreement that addresses property division, spousal support, and other key issues.
Family law in Chesterfield County covers divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines). A marital separation lawyer Chesterfield County can explain how these laws apply to your specific situation.
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For Chesterfield County court information, see the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support cases. Virginia requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- File a complaint for divorce at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- File a signed property settlement agreement if you have one.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody is needed.
- Complete the required separation period (6 months without children, 1 year with children).
- Attend the final divorce hearing with a corroborating witness.
In Chesterfield County, Virginia, family law matters involve no criminal penalties but carry significant financial and custodial consequences.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing fee | May require trial |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Varies | $500-$2,500+ GAL | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Ongoing | Varies by income | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique authority in Virginia family law. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
In Chesterfield County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). The courthouse is accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
Looking for a family law lawyer near Chesterfield County? We serve 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
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Chesterfield County, 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 Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. 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).
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 Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. Custody in Chesterfield County 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.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
It depends. 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer page. We also serve Henrico County and Colonial Heights. For other legal needs in Chesterfield County, see our Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.