In Chesterfield County, Virginia family law matters are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. A Relative Adoption Lawyer Chesterfield County can guide you through kinship and family member adoptions.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Family Law Statutes and Your Case
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. This statute governs how marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. For divorces, Va. Code § 20-91 requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved, or 1-year separation with minor children. Child custody follows the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, while 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. A Relative Adoption Lawyer Chesterfield County can help with kinship adoption petitions and family member adoption cases.
External Citation Links
Review the official Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) for complete family law statutes. Court procedures are available at the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce or custody at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road).
- Serve the other party with process — sheriff service costs approximately $12.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Complete discovery, including financial disclosures and, if needed, business valuation.
- Attend mediation or settlement conference to attempt resolution without trial.
- Proceed to final hearing or trial if settlement is not reached.
In Chesterfield County, Virginia family law cases involve divorce, custody, support, and property division under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Service: $12-$100 | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | ~$86 | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Child Custody | Best interests | 3-12 months | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hr | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Guidelines-based | 2-6 months | ~$86 | Genetic testing if disputed | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Spousal Support | 13-factor analysis | 6-12 months | ~$86 | Forensic accountant if needed | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case Results in Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesterfield County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include a possession of marijuana charge dismissed (nolle prosequi) at Chesterfield General District Court, and another possession charge amended to paraphernalia. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 Chesterfield County via I-95 and Route 288. We serve clients in Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. A family member adoption lawyer Chesterfield County can assist with relative placement and kinship adoption petitions.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs may apply for forensic accountants or business valuators.
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 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; 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.
What is a Relative Adoption Lawyer Chesterfield County?
A Relative Adoption Lawyer Chesterfield County handles kinship adoption petitions where a family member, such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, seeks to adopt a child. These cases require filing a petition in Chesterfield County J&DR Court and demonstrating that adoption serves the child’s best interests.
What does a family member adoption lawyer Chesterfield County do?
A family member adoption lawyer Chesterfield County assists with adoptions by relatives, stepparents, or other family members. They handle the legal process including consent requirements, home studies, and court appearances to finalize the adoption in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
What is a kinship adoption petition lawyer Chesterfield County?
A kinship adoption petition lawyer Chesterfield County files the legal petition for a relative to adopt a child when the biological parents cannot care for them. This process involves showing the child’s best interests, obtaining consent or termination of parental rights, and completing a home study through Chesterfield County social services.