Chesterfield County Divorce & Family Lawyer | SRIS Law

Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesterfield County, Virginia

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The firm has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division matters filed at Chesterfield County Circuit Court.

Virginia Family Law Statutes

Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases.

Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly

Official Legal Resources

For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and forms are available at the Chesterfield County General District Court website.

Chesterfield County Family Court Process

Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 9500 Courthouse Road. 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.

  1. Consult with an attorney to evaluate your case and determine the appropriate grounds for divorce.
  2. File the divorce complaint with Chesterfield County Circuit Court and pay the $86 filing fee.
  3. Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server.
  4. Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary support and custody within 21-60 days if requested.
  5. Complete discovery, mediation if ordered, and prepare for final hearing or trial.
  6. Obtain the final divorce decree from the court after meeting all statutory requirements.

Family Law Penalties and Requirements

In Chesterfield County, divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.

Offense Classification Financial Impact Timeline Additional Requirements
No-Fault Divorce Civil Action $86 filing fee + service costs 6 months (no children) or 1 year Signed separation agreement recommended
Fault Divorce Civil Action $86 filing fee + service costs Immediate to 1 year depending on grounds Evidence required for fault grounds
Child Support Court Order Based on Virginia guidelines Established at filing or hearing Income documentation required
Property Division Equitable Distribution Varies by marital estate complexity Resolved with divorce or separately 11 statutory factors considered

Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.

Firm Credentials and Experience

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. Our Richmond location serves Chesterfield County clients with consultation by appointment.

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

Case Results in Chesterfield County

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters handled at Chesterfield County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.

Local Representation in Chesterfield County

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). We are a 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.

7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States

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.

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. 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). 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 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 Resources

For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County family law and Colonial Heights family law. If you need other legal services in Chesterfield County, consider our criminal defense lawyer or DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience or visit our Richmond office location page.

Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.

Chesterfield County Divorce & Family Lawyer | SRIS Law