Colonial Heights family law matters involve divorce, custody, and support under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Colonial Heights courts. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. Call (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Family Law Statutes and Definitions
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, and spousal support. The primary statutes 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). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a unique credential in Virginia family law.
External Citation Links
Review the official statutes: Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) — official Virginia General Assembly. Court procedures are available at the Colonial Heights General District Court website.
- File the Complaint: File a divorce complaint at Colonial Heights Circuit Court (550 Boulevard). Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the summons. Sheriff service costs about $12; private process server costs $50-$100.
- Negotiate a Settlement: Work with your attorney to negotiate a property settlement agreement covering assets, debts, custody, and support.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, a hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Final Hearing: Present your case to the judge. An uncontested divorce with a signed agreement takes 2-4 months from filing.
In Colonial Heights, family law cases involve divorce, custody, and support with penalties including asset division and support orders.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 + attorney fees | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Child Custody | Best interests | 3-6 months | GAL $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-124.2 |
| Child Support | Guidelines-based | 2-4 months | Mediation $100-$300/hr | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Spousal Support | 13-factor analysis | 3-6 months | Attorney fees vary | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). The firm has 4,739+ total case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Founded in 1997, the firm combines 120+ years of combined attorney experience.
In Colonial Heights, the firm has 4 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location is accessible from Colonial Heights via I-95 and Route 1. We serve clients throughout Colonial Heights, Chesterfield County, and surrounding areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
It depends. 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: 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 Colonial Heights, Virginia?
Yes. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Attorney fees vary based on complexity.
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 Colonial Heights, Virginia?
It depends. Custody 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. Colonial Heights 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 Colonial Heights Circuit Court.
Can I modify a child support order in Colonial Heights?
Yes. You can request a modification if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a change in income, employment status, or custody arrangement. File a motion at Colonial Heights J&DR Court. The court recalculates support using Virginia guidelines.
What is equitable distribution in Virginia?
It depends. Equitable distribution is the court’s process of dividing marital property fairly under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court considers 11 factors including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and economic circumstances. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Colonial Heights?
It depends. While you can file pro se, an attorney ensures your separation agreement is legally sound and protects your rights. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A lawyer can prepare all documents and attend the hearing.
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