Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — What Are Your Rights in a Divorce?
A family law lawyer Henrico County can help you handle divorce, custody, and support matters in Henrico County Circuit Court. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, meaning marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Henrico County.
Virginia Family Law Statutes and Definitions
Family legal matters in Virginia are governed by specific state codes. The primary statute for property division is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which outlines the equitable distribution of marital assets and debts. This statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris, requires courts to consider 11 factors to achieve a fair, but not necessarily equal, division. Other key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, § 20-124.3 for determining child custody based on the child’s best interests, and § 20-108.1 for calculating child support using statewide guidelines.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code (law.lis.virginia.gov). Information about court procedures and forms for Henrico County can be found on the Henrico County Circuit Court website (vacourts.gov).
Handling a Family Law Case in Henrico County
Henrico County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- Consult with a family law attorney to understand your rights and options.
- File the initial complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the appropriate Henrico County court and pay the filing fee.
- Participate in discovery, which may include exchanging financial documents and answering interrogatories.
- Attempt settlement through negotiation or mediation to resolve issues like property division and custody.
- If settlement fails, prepare for and attend court hearings, culminating in a final trial if necessary.
- Obtain and ensure compliance with the court’s final order or decree.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Matters
In Henrico County, family law matters do not carry penalties like criminal cases, but they determine critical life outcomes such as asset division, debt responsibility, child custody schedules, and financial support obligations.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Potential Outcomes | Financial Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or Fault-based | Dissolution of marriage | Court costs, attorney fees, division of assets/debts | Change in tax status, eligibility for benefits |
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (11 factors) | Fair division of marital property | Division of real estate, retirement accounts, businesses | Long-term financial planning required |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Legal & physical custody arrangements | Possible Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+) | Parenting schedule, decision-making authority |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline calculations | Monthly support obligation | Based on combined income and custody share | Enforceable by income withholding, contempt |
| Spousal Support | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (13 factors) | Temporary or permanent support award | Monthly payments, duration varies | Tax implications, modifiable based on change in circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Family Law Matter
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family legal matters. Our deep understanding of Virginia law is underscored by Mr. Sris’s personal work amending the state’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. We focus on providing clear guidance through stressful family transitions.
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 Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Henrico County across all practice areas. Firm-wide, our attorneys have handled over 4,739 cases with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In family law, favorable outcomes include achieving equitable settlement agreements, favorable custody arrangements, and appropriate support orders. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex cases involving significant assets or contentious custody disputes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Henrico County Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients with family court matters in Henrico County. We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295, near Short Pump Town Center and Innsbrook.
Family law lawyer near Henrico County Circuit Court. We serve the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Family Law in Henrico County
How long does a divorce take in Henrico County, Virginia?
It depends. An uncontested divorce with a signed agreement can take 2-4 months. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months, and cases with complex property division can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period before filing for a no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Henrico County, Virginia?
Costs vary. The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), potential Guardian ad Litem fees for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees depend on the case’s complexity and whether it is contested.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like assets owned before marriage or received as a gift, is typically excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Henrico County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role in the child’s life, the child’s needs, and the parent’s ability to cooperate. Standalone custody cases are filed in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with at least one year of imprisonment.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Chesterfield County and Hanover County. If you are facing other legal issues, consider our Henrico County criminal defense lawyer or Henrico County DUI lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.