In Lexington, Virginia, divorce follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. An Alimony Lawyer Lexington can help you understand spousal support options under Virginia law. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, and spousal maintenance. Under Va. Code § 20-91, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 divides marital property fairly but not necessarily equally. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. A spousal support lawyer Lexington can explain how the 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 apply to your case. A spousal maintenance lawyer Lexington can help you understand temporary and permanent support options.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the complete text of Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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.
- File a complaint for divorce at Lexington Circuit Court, 2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Exchange financial disclosures and attend mediation if ordered by the court.
- Attend the final hearing with your corroborating witness to obtain the final divorce decree.
In Lexington, Virginia, family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support calculated under Virginia guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 | Service: $12-$100 | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | 9-18 months | $86 | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | Included | Mediation: $100-$300/hr | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Included | Financial affidavits | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
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, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other family law firm in Lexington can claim. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Advocacy Without Borders.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and related matters. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81 and I-64. A family law lawyer near Lexington can help with divorce, custody, and support matters. We serve the Lexington community, including Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University areas.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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?
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. 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. 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 from division.
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. Each ground has different waiting periods and evidence requirements.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.