Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
In Chesterfield County, Virginia divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 (no-fault after 6-month or 1-year separation) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law governs divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, child support, and spousal support. Under Va. Code § 20-91, you may file for no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (if no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists) or a 1-year separation (if minor children are involved). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a unique credential in Virginia family law. Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case.
For the complete statutory framework, review Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) (official Virginia General Assembly) and Chesterfield County General District Court website (official Virginia Courts).
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Chesterfield County 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates. The Circuit Court at 9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832 handles Chesterfield County family law matters.
- File a divorce complaint at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road) with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Complete discovery, including financial affidavits and asset documentation.
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended; $100-$300/hour per party).
- Attend final hearing with corroborating witness or submit agreed final decree.
In Chesterfield County, Virginia family law matters involve no criminal penalties but carry significant financial and custodial consequences under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (6-month or 1-year separation) | 2-4 months | $86 filing + $12-$100 service | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing + attorney fees | Equitable distribution of marital property |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | 3-12 months | $500-$2,500+ GAL fees | Each parent’s role, history of abuse |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines (combined gross income) | Ongoing | Monthly obligation | Parenting time, healthcare, childcare costs |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Monthly obligation | Duration of marriage, earning capacity |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute — a credential that distinguishes this firm in Virginia family law. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). The Richmond office is accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
Family law lawyer near Chesterfield County — serving Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. 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. Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
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). Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832) handles all property division. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100.
Related pages: Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Colonial Heights Family Law Lawyer | Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Chesterfield County DUI Lawyer
Attorney profile: Samantha Rae Powers — Family Law Attorney
Our location: Richmond Office — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.