In Colonial Heights, Virginia family law matters are governed by equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Colonial Heights with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to determine a fair division. Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, by inheritance, or by gift — is excluded from distribution. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application.
For divorce grounds, Virginia allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and a signed separation agreement exists, or a 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. 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.
For complete statutory language, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) and Colonial Heights General District Court website.
Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Colonial Heights 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 Complaint: File a divorce complaint at Colonial Heights Circuit Court (550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834). Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: Have your spouse served with the complaint. Sheriff service: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
- File a Pendente Lite Motion: If you need temporary support or custody, file a pendente lite motion. The hearing is typically set within 21-60 days.
- Attend Mediation: While not mandatory in Virginia, mediation can resolve issues without trial. Cost: $100-$300/hour per party.
- Final Hearing: For uncontested divorces, bring a corroborating witness. The court will enter the final decree of divorce.
In Colonial Heights, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and spousal support calculations under state law.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Range | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault; 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year (with minor children) | 2-4 months from filing | $86 filing fee + service costs | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees | May require Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 (10 factors) | Varies; pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | J&DR Court handles standalone custody |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing; modifiable upon change in circumstances | Varies by income | Includes health insurance and childcare costs |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration varies; modifiable | Varies by income and need | Tax treatment differs for pre-2019 vs. post-2019 divorces |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), which governs how marital property is divided in divorce. This achievement is unique among Virginia family law attorneys and provides the firm with direct insight into the statute’s application and interpretation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results in Colonial Heights across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Colonial Heights Location
Our Richmond location is accessible to Colonial Heights courts at 550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834, via I-95, I-295, Route 1, and Route 144 (Temple Avenue).
Looking for a family law lawyer near Colonial Heights? We serve Colonial Heights and surrounding communities.
Neighborhoods Served: Colonial Heights
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Address: 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225. By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Colonial Heights, 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 Colonial Heights, Virginia?
It depends. 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 vary by case 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). Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
Custody 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. Colonial Heights J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Colonial Heights 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 Colonial Heights 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 current guidance.