Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
In Chesterfield County, Virginia, divorce and family law matters are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. Our team provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code Title 20
Virginia family law operates under the Virginia Code. Divorce grounds are set forth in Va. Code § 20-91, which provides both no-fault and fault-based grounds. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and a signed separation agreement exists, or a 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 statutory factors. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Chesterfield County family law cases.
- Va. Code § 20-91 (Divorce Grounds) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Chesterfield County General District Court — Official Virginia Courts Website
- File the Complaint: File a divorce complaint at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832). Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a Pendente Lite Motion: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a pendente lite motion. Hearings are typically set within 21-60 days.
- Attend Mediation: While not mandatory in Virginia, mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) can resolve issues without trial.
- Prepare for Hearing: For uncontested divorce, bring a corroborating witness. For contested matters, prepare evidence for trial.
- Obtain Final Decree: Uncontested cases finalize in 2-4 months. Contested cases take 9-18 months or longer.
In Chesterfield County, Virginia, family law matters involve financial and custodial outcomes determined by statute. Equitable distribution does not mean 50/50 split.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Factors | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (6-month or 1-year separation) | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + $12 sheriff service | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs | May require Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Custody | Best interests (10 factors) | Varies | GAL fees if appointed | J&DR Court handles standalone custody |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Ongoing | Modification possible | Based on combined gross income |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Modification possible | Duration depends on marriage length |
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is the single most powerful differentiator in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also oversees family law cases in Chesterfield County. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY, and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
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+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). The location is accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We serve Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Chesterfield County? We are near Chesterfield Towne Center and Pocahontas State Park.
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
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
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. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Custody 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.
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.
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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.