In Hanover County, Virginia family law matters such as divorce and custody are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 documented case results in Hanover County. We provide full representation for your family law needs.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Hanover County
Virginia family law is defined by several key statutes. Divorce grounds are found under Va. Code § 20-91, which allows for no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (if no minor children and a signed agreement exists) or a 1-year separation (if minor children are involved). Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and child support is calculated using Virginia’s guidelines under § 20-108.1. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors in § 20-107.1. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
For the official text of Virginia’s family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Hanover County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Hanover County Family Law
Hanover County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, and child support cases. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory.
- File a complaint for divorce at Hanover County Circuit Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support or custody if needed.
- Attend mediation to attempt resolution of property and custody issues.
- If unresolved, proceed to a contested hearing before the Circuit Court judge.
- Receive final decree of divorce with property division and support orders.
In Hanover County, family law matters do not carry criminal penalties but involve financial and custodial consequences determined by the court.
| Issue | Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Duration | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | Civil Proceeding | Final Decree of Divorce | Filing fee ~$86; attorney fees vary | 2-18 months | 6-month or 1-year separation required |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Joint or Sole Custody | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Ongoing until child turns 18 | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Guidelines-Based | Monthly Support Order | Based on combined gross income | Until child turns 18 or graduates high school | Can be modified upon change in circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13-Factor Analysis | Periodic or Lump Sum | Varies by income and need | Duration depends on marriage length | Modifiable upon material change |
| Equitable Distribution | Property Division | Fair Division of Assets | Business valuation: $2,000-$10,000+ | One-time division | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Hanover County 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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential that sets this firm apart in family law. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Hanover County Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 total documented case results across all practice areas in Hanover County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals and reductions in charges. 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 Hanover County Family Law Services
Our Richmond location serves clients at Hanover County courts (7507 Library Drive). The office is accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33. We serve the communities of Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
If you are searching for a family law lawyer near Hanover County, we are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Hanover County
How long does a divorce take in Hanover County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce takes 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets takes 12-24 months. 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 Hanover County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs about $12, while a private process server costs $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and 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). Hanover County Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Hanover County, Virginia?
Custody in Hanover 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. Hanover County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Hanover County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds include a 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), and felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Cases are filed at Hanover County Circuit Court.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer page. See also our Henrico County Family Law Lawyer and Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer pages. For other legal needs in Hanover County, see our Hanover County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Hanover County DUI Lawyer pages. Learn more about our attorneys on our attorney profile page. Visit our Richmond office location page.
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.