Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Chesterfield County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented family law results in Chesterfield County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division at the Chesterfield County Circuit Court. Our Richmond location serves the Midlothian, Chester, and Colonial Heights area.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesterfield County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. For divorce, Virginia requires a 6-month separation period if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). The Chesterfield County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
Chesterfield County Family Court Process
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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 a complaint for divorce or other family law action at the Chesterfield County Circuit Court clerk’s office.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and a summons using a sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend any pendente lite hearings for temporary support and custody arrangements, typically set within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery, which may include financial disclosures, depositions, and property valuations.
- Participate in mediation or settlement conferences as ordered by the court.
- Proceed to trial if settlement cannot be reached, where a judge will decide all contested issues.
Chesterfield County Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Chesterfield County, divorce carries court filing fees starting at approximately $86, with additional costs for service, motions, and possible Guardian ad Litem appointments for custody cases.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (failure to comply with order) | Civil or Criminal | Up to 10 days | Unlimited | Attorney fees, enforcement actions |
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Civil Contempt | Until compliance | Court costs | License suspension, tax intercept |
Results may vary. The outcomes described depend on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm unique insight into property division cases. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across our practice areas.
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
Case Results in Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented family law case results in Chesterfield County with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. Our experience includes successful resolution of contested divorces, complex property division, child custody arrangements, and support modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location is accessible to clients at Chesterfield County courts via I-95, I-295, Route 1, and Route 10. We serve as a family law lawyer near Chesterfield County for residents of 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.
Richmond Location — 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 hearings for temporary support and custody are typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
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, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Separate property is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationships. Chesterfield County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases. 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 across Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County family law and Colonial Heights family law. In Chesterfield County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.