Lexington family law matters involve equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. You need an Indefinite Alimony Lawyer Lexington who understands local court procedures at Lexington Circuit Court. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes Governing Your Case
Virginia family law is governed by several key statutes. Divorce grounds are found under Va. Code § 20-91, which allows for no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Equitable distribution of marital property is controlled by Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child support follows Virginia guidelines under § 20-108.1, and custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child under § 20-124.2. Spousal support, including permanent spousal support, is determined by 13 statutory factors under § 20-107.1. An Indefinite Alimony Lawyer Lexington can explain how these laws apply to your specific situation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For official family law statutes, review Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court procedures and local rules, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Lexington Family Law Process
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support 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.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint at Lexington Circuit Court (2 South Main Street) with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve Your Spouse: Sheriff service costs approximately $12; private process server costs $50-$100.
- File Pendente Lite Motions: If temporary support or custody is needed, your attorney files pendente lite motions (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Negotiate Settlement: Your attorney negotiates a property settlement agreement covering asset division, support, and custody.
- Final Hearing: For uncontested divorces, a brief hearing with one corroborating witness finalizes the decree.
In Lexington, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, spousal support determinations, and child custody arrangements under state guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation (with children) | 2-4 months (uncontested); 9-18 months (contested) | Lexington Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division based on 11 factors | Part of divorce timeline | Lexington Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies; emergency custody within days | Lexington J&DR Court | Va. Code § 20-124.2 |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing; modification available | Lexington J&DR Court | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors; duration and amount | Ongoing; modification available | Lexington Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Lexington Family Law Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This rare achievement demonstrates our deep understanding of Virginia family law at the legislative level. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. For Lexington clients, we offer the experience of a permanent spousal support lawyer Lexington who understands local court procedures.
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience handling complex family law matters across multiple states.
Lexington Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While these results include traffic matters, they demonstrate our firm’s consistent track record in Lexington courts. For family law specifically, our attorneys have handled numerous divorce, custody, and support cases in Lexington Circuit Court and Lexington J&DR Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Lexington Family Law Services
Distance: Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street).
Near-Me: Searching for a “family law lawyer near Lexington” or “divorce attorney near VMI”? We represent clients throughout the Lexington area.
Neighborhoods Served: Lexington.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lexington Family Law
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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes, costs vary. 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Cases filed at Lexington General District Court.
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 (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
What is permanent spousal support in Virginia?
It depends. Permanent spousal support (also called indefinite alimony) may be awarded in long-term marriages (typically 15+ years) where one spouse has significantly lower earning capacity. The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including duration of marriage, standard of living, and each spouse’s financial resources. A long-term alimony lawyer Lexington can evaluate your specific circumstances.
Can spousal support be modified in Lexington?
Yes. Spousal support can be modified upon a showing of a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, retirement, or remarriage of the receiving spouse. Modification requests are filed at Lexington Circuit Court. An Indefinite Alimony Lawyer Lexington can help you file for modification or defend against an improper modification request.