Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington divorce is governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution); Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters in Lexington Circuit Court. We handle the details of your family law case with a case-specific approach.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Lexington
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes that apply in Lexington. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-124.3 (child custody best interests), and § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines). These statutes determine how your case will proceed in Lexington Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current Virginia family law statutes, refer to the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Family Court Procedures
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2 South Main Street. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at Lexington Circuit Court. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the legal documents to your spouse.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a hearing within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and attend depositions to gather evidence.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach an agreement without trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case before a judge at Lexington Circuit Court for a final decision.
Family Law Penalties and Costs in Lexington
In Lexington, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties, with divorce filing fees starting at $86 and additional costs for process service, Guardian ad Litem appointments ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Timeline | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | $86 | 2-4 months | Process service: $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | $86 | 9-18 months | Mediation: $100-$300/hour; experienced witnesses: varies |
| Child Custody Petition | Lexington J&DR Court | $86 | 3-6 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support Establishment | Lexington J&DR Court | $86 | 1-3 months | Income verification costs |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Firm Experience in Lexington Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide global advocacy with local precision for Lexington families.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. Our experience includes successful divorce settlements, custody agreements, and equitable distribution cases in Lexington Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We represent families throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities including those near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Lexington, we handle other legal matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.