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. The firm has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division matters filed at Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the best interests factors for child custody determinations. Va. Code § 20-108.1 provides the guidelines for calculating child support.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1). For court 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 two courts. The Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce, custody, or support complaint at the Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the court papers to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend scheduling conference: The court will set a date for a scheduling conference to establish deadlines for discovery and motions.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial if needed: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a Chesterfield County Circuit Court judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Chesterfield County, family law matters involve specific legal standards and potential financial consequences, not criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property division and statutory guidelines for child support.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome / Consequence | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property | Varies by asset value and 11 statutory factors |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly payment based on combined gross income and number of children | Obligor pays percentage of income; subject to modification |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support award | Amount and duration determined by court |
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or Fault Grounds (Va. Code § 20-91) | Dissolution of marriage | Court costs: ~$86 filing fee + service fees |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have 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. Our approach is case-specific, built on extensive courtroom experience.
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 handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the 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 for residents of 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.
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. Chesterfield County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Chesterfield County 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.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Mr. Sris Profile
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.