Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Chesterfield County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault filings; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). The law requires specific separation periods and considers multiple factors for support and property division.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield 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 (Domestic Relations). For court-specific forms and procedures, 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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation and legal options.
- Gather financial records, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements. Your attorney will draft the necessary pleadings.
- File the divorce complaint or custody petition at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road) and pay the filing fee.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to the other party.
- Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation to resolve issues like property division and custody.
- If settlement fails, prepare for hearings and potentially a trial before a judge at Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Family Law Outcomes & Standards
In Chesterfield County, family law matters follow equitable distribution principles; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court 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 + possible experienced costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 12-24 months if complex | Filing fees + business valuation costs |
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 legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct legislative involvement provides deep insight into property division law.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
Documented Case Results
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 Chesterfield County Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
Family law lawyer near Chesterfield Towne Center and Pocahontas State Park.
We serve the Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley communities.
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.
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 Services
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
We also serve neighboring areas: Henrico County family law lawyer and Colonial Heights family law lawyer.
In Chesterfield County, we handle other legal matters: criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense.
Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Visit our Richmond office location page.
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.