Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests factors). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors rather than automatically 50/50.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Family Court Procedures
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 9500 Courthouse Road. 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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter.
- File the divorce complaint or custody petition at Chesterfield County Circuit Court with the required filing fee (approximately $86).
- Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) serve the papers on your spouse.
- If temporary support or custody is needed, attend the pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Work toward a property settlement agreement or prepare for trial on contested issues.
- Attend the final hearing to obtain the divorce decree or final custody order.
Family Law Outcomes and Standards
In Chesterfield County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month/1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing + legal fees |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | 9-18 months | $86 filing + higher legal fees |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Varies by complexity | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Establishment: 1-3 months | Court costs + possible fees |
| Complex Property Division | 11 statutory factors | 12-24 months | Forensic accountant: $3,000-$10,000+ |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Our Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our firm brings substantial experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
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
Chesterfield County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorce cases with equitable distribution of complex assets, child custody determinations, and support modifications.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Chesterfield County Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We are a family law lawyer near Chesterfield County serving 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.
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. 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 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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation services.
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 from division.
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. Chesterfield County J&DR Court handles standalone custody 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 with applicable filing fees.
Related Legal Services
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County and Colonial Heights. In Chesterfield County, we handle other legal matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense.
Learn more about our attorneys and our Richmond office location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.