Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Chesterfield County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) and requires a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault grounds. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County family law matters. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesterfield County
Family law in Chesterfield County is controlled by Virginia state statutes. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and Va. Code § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Founded in 1997, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Official Virginia Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly Code (Title 20, Chapter 6). For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Family Court Procedures
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 9500 Courthouse Road. Chesterfield County 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.
- File the initial divorce complaint with the Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- If temporary support or custody is needed, file a motion for a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete the discovery process, exchanging financial disclosures and other relevant information.
- Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without a trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a Chesterfield County Circuit Court judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards for Virginia Family Law
In Chesterfield County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution standard; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (failure to pay support) | Civil Contempt | Up to 10 days jail per occurrence | Court costs + attorney fees | Driver’s license suspension, professional license suspension |
| Violation of Protective Order | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory arrest, no contact orders |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Family Law Experience in Chesterfield County
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 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide case-specific approaches for Chesterfield County family law matters.
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
Chesterfield County Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. Our experience includes successful resolution of contested divorces, child custody disputes, and complex equitable distribution cases involving business assets.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We are a family law lawyer near Chesterfield Towne Center and Pocahontas State Park, serving 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.
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 Chesterfield County, 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 Chesterfield County, 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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
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?
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. Chesterfield County 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County and Colonial Heights. In Chesterfield County, we handle other legal matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.