In Lexington, Virginia, family law matters including 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. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — Title 20
Virginia family law operates under equitable distribution principles, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs property division. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved, 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 of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Family law in Lexington includes divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, child support, spousal support, and protective orders. The Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. The 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. 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.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and Lexington General District Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce at Lexington Circuit Court, 2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450. Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion if you need temporary support or custody. Hearing set within 21-60 days.
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court. Mediation costs: $100-$300/hour per party.
- Attend the final hearing with a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce.
In Lexington, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and spousal support calculations under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year (with minor children) | 2-4 months from filing | Filing fee: $86; service: $12-$100 | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Attorney fees: $3,000-$15,000+ | May require forensic accounting |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | 3-6 months for temporary orders | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 10 statutory factors considered |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing until child turns 18 | Varies by income | Modification available for changed circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration varies | Varies by income and need | Modification and termination provisions apply |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the Virginia equitable distribution statute — a unique achievement in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia, 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 Lexington courts (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). Accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, and Route 60. Serving Lexington, including Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University areas.
Family law lawyer near Lexington — available 24/7 for phone consultations.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
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. 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 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. Attorney fees vary based on complexity.
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). Lexington Circuit Court handles all property division. 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. Filing fee: approximately $86.
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.