Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation. Our firm has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The key laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Chesterfield County are heard in the Chesterfield County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support matters. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other initiating pleading with the Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee (approximately $86).
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information through the formal discovery process.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Attempt to resolve issues through negotiation or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) before trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a Chesterfield County Circuit Court judge.
Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Chesterfield County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution standard for property division and statutory guidelines for child support based on combined gross income.
| Matter | Legal Standard / Classification | Timeline / Outcome | Costs / Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | No-fault after separation period | 2-4 months | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | Court fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline calculation | Ongoing until emancipation | Based on combined income and custody share |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Resolved with divorce or separately | Potential business valuation costs ($2,500+) |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law.
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 case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters we have handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). We are a family law lawyer near Chesterfield County, accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We serve the Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley communities.
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 hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
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.
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 Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Custody in Chesterfield 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.
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, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas: Henrico County family law lawyer and Colonial Heights family law lawyer. In Chesterfield County, we handle other matters: criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys and our Richmond office.
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.