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, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. The firm has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division for clients in Midlothian, Chester, and surrounding communities.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Grounds for divorce are found in Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise. Equitable distribution of marital property is controlled by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which considers 11 factors for a fair, not necessarily equal, division. Child custody determinations follow the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, evaluating ten factors. Child support is calculated using statewide guidelines based on combined gross income per Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support is assessed under Va. Code § 20-107.1, which lists 13 factors for the court’s consideration.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Family Law Process
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your case specifics. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint with the Chesterfield County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Proceedings: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and potentially a final trial before a judge for resolution.
Family Law Procedures and Timelines
In Chesterfield County, family law matters follow specific procedures and timelines set by Virginia code and local court rules.
| Matter | Governing Statute | Typical Timeline | Key Filing Fee | Primary Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Va. Code § 20-91 | 2-4 months | $86 | Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Va. Code § 20-91 | 9-18 months | $86+ | Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies | $86+ | J&DR / Circuit |
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months (complex) | $86+ | Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep, substantive involvement in Virginia family law. This background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in complex financial divorces involving business valuation or retirement assets.
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
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.
Documented Case Results
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 for these matters. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and reductions in sought-after penalties or support obligations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. We are a family law lawyer near Chesterfield Towne Center and Pocahontas State Park.
We serve clients in 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.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Colonial Heights. If you need other services in Chesterfield County, consider our criminal defense or DUI defense attorneys. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.