Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Henrico County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Child custody uses the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). For Henrico County court information, see the Henrico County General District Court website.
Henrico County Family Law Process
Henrico 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.
- Consultation and Document Gathering: Meet with your attorney and collect financial records, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at the Henrico County Circuit Court clerk’s office (4301 East Parham Road).
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint is served by sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100).
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information and work toward a settlement agreement.
- Final Hearing: Attend the final uncontested hearing or, if contested, proceed to trial before a judge.
- Decree Entry: The judge signs the final decree of divorce, officially ending the marriage.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Henrico County, family law matters involve specific legal standards and potential costs, not criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property and guidelines for child support.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Potential Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month/1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division (11 factors) | 12-24 months if complex | Business valuation: $3,000-$10,000+ |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement in shaping state law provides a deep understanding of property division cases.
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 Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Henrico County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces, custody matters, and property division cases handled in Henrico County Circuit Court and J&DR Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location is accessible to clients at Henrico County courts via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve the Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville areas. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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 Henrico 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 Henrico 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). Henrico County Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Henrico County, Virginia?
Custody in Henrico 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. Henrico County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Henrico 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 Henrico County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Chesterfield County and Hanover County. In Henrico County, we handle other matters including criminal defense and DUI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.