Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer — How Can We Protect Your Family?
Family law matters in Chesterfield County are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases. Our Richmond location is accessible for Chesterfield County residents. Spring often sees an increase in family law filings as schedules change.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law covers divorce, child custody, support, and property division. The primary statute for dividing marital assets is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which establishes the framework for equitable distribution. Child custody decisions are made based on the child’s best interests under Virginia law.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code (law.lis.virginia.gov). For Chesterfield County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Chesterfield County Courts website.
Chesterfield County Family Court Process
Family law cases in Chesterfield County are heard in the Circuit Court. The process typically involves filing a complaint, serving the other party, and attending hearings.
- File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support with the Circuit Court Clerk.
- Serve the legal documents on the other spouse or parent.
- Attend preliminary hearings for temporary orders.
- Exchange financial information through discovery.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation.
- Proceed to a bench trial if no settlement is reached.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Chesterfield County, family law cases do not carry criminal penalties like jail time, but they determine critical issues such as child custody, support payments, and division of assets and debts.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child | Joint or sole legal/physical custody |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Monthly payments based on income |
| Spousal Support | Need and ability to pay | Temporary or permanent support |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution | Fair division of marital assets/debts |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its specific facts and circumstances.
Our Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law cases. Mr. Sris personally contributed to amending Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Our approach is case-specific and focused on protecting your family’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Chesterfield County, VA?
It depends on whether the divorce is contested. An uncontested divorce can finalize in about 30-60 days after filing. A contested divorce involving custody or property disputes can take 6-12 months or longer in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
What factors determine child custody in Virginia?
Virginia courts decide custody based on the child’s best interests. Key factors include each parent’s ability to care for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s own reasonable preference if they are mature enough.
How is marital property divided in a Virginia divorce?
Virginia follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This does not mean a 50/50 split. The court considers each spouse’s contributions, the marriage length, and economic circumstances to make a fair, but not necessarily equal, division.
Can I get alimony in Virginia?
Yes, if you meet certain criteria. The court considers the marriage length, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage. Support can be temporary (pendente lite) during the case or permanent after the divorce.
What is the difference between legal and physical custody?
Legal custody involves the right to make major decisions about the child’s health, education, and welfare. Physical custody determines where the child lives. Both can be shared (joint) or awarded primarily to one parent (sole).
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a favorable outcome rate of 93%+.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Chesterfield County Family Law Help
Our Richmond location is approximately 15 miles from the Chesterfield County Courthouse, accessible via Chippenham Parkway and Route 288. We serve as a family law lawyer near Chesterfield County and the surrounding communities of Midlothian, Bon Air, and Brandermill. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Related Legal Help
For more information, see our Virginia family law overview. We also assist with criminal defense in Chesterfield County and divorce cases in Chesterfield County. Learn more about attorney Samantha Powers.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.