In Lexington, Virginia family law matters including divorce and custody are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Contact us for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Lexington
Virginia family law is governed by multiple statutes. Divorce grounds are found under Va. Code § 20-91, which allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors. 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.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For official statute text, see Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) — official Virginia General Assembly. For court information, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Lexington Family Law Cases
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.
- File a complaint for divorce or custody at the appropriate Lexington court.
- Serve the other party with legal papers through sheriff or process server.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody orders.
- Complete discovery including financial disclosures and asset documentation.
- Participate in mediation if ordered or agreed upon by both parties.
- Attend final hearing or submit agreed order for uncontested matters.
In Lexington, Virginia family law matters carry no criminal penalties but involve significant financial and custody consequences.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court | Civil/Criminal | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, property liens |
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Civil | None | None | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax intercept |
| Violation of Custody Order | Civil | None | Up to $1,000 | None | Custody modification possible |
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 is a rare achievement that demonstrates deep knowledge of Virginia family law. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters. Firm-wide, we have achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450), accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, and Route 60. We serve the Lexington community including Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University areas.
Family law lawyer near Lexington — serving Rockbridge County and surrounding areas.
Neighborhoods served: Lexington.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Lexington
How long does a divorce take in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes, uncontested divorce with 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. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody is typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Lexington, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs approximately $12. Private process server costs $50-$100. Pendente lite motion adds additional court costs. Guardian ad Litem for custody typically costs $500-$2,500+. Mediation costs $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). 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.
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For family law matters in nearby areas, see our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer pages. For other legal needs in Lexington, see our Lexington criminal defense lawyer 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.