Facing divorce in Colonial Heights? Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation before filing no-fault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Colonial Heights. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Call (888) 437-7747.
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Colonial Heights, Virginia
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child support follows Virginia guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1 based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the official state statute on divorce grounds, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Colonial Heights General District Court website.
Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Colonial Heights 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.
- File a divorce complaint at Colonial Heights Circuit Court (550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834) with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Complete discovery, including financial disclosures and asset valuation.
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Proceed to final hearing with corroborating witness for uncontested divorce, or trial for contested matters.
In Colonial Heights, divorce outcomes depend on asset division, custody arrangements, and support calculations under Virginia law.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Cost Range | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, signed separation agreement | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + $12 sheriff service | No minor children: 6-month separation; minor children: 1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault, disputed issues | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + discovery costs | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Business valuation, retirement assets | 12-24 months | $86 filing fee + experienced fees | Forensic accountant: $5,000-$20,000+ |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, providing unique insight into family law matters. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results across all practice areas in Colonial Heights, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 4,739+ 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 Colonial Heights courts (550 Boulevard), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 144 (Temple Avenue), and Route 36. Our Service Member Divorce Lawyer Colonial Heights team is available for military families stationed near Fort Gregg-Adams.
We serve Colonial Heights and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Colonial Heights, 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. Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Colonial Heights, 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).
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). Colonial Heights Circuit Court (550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
It depends. Custody in Colonial Heights 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. Colonial Heights J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
It depends. 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 Colonial Heights Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For nearby localities, visit our Henrico County divorce lawyer or Chesterfield County divorce lawyer pages. For other legal needs in Colonial Heights, see our Colonial Heights criminal defense lawyer page.
Learn more about our team on our attorney profile page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.