Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Chesterfield County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented family law results in Chesterfield County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division at Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, and desertion.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesterfield County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, child support, and custody. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For accurate legal information, consult these official government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia divorce statutes from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Chesterfield County General District Court – Official court website with forms, fees, and procedures.
Chesterfield County Family Court Procedures
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.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint at Chesterfield County Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road) with the $86 filing fee and arranges for service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Final hearing or trial: For uncontested cases, attend a brief final hearing. For contested cases, proceed to trial where a judge decides unresolved issues based on Virginia law.
Chesterfield County Divorce Penalties and Requirements
In Chesterfield County, divorce follows Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-fault Divorce (no minor children) | Uncontested/Contested | 6-month separation + 2-4 months processing | $86 filing fee + $12 service | Signed separation agreement |
| No-fault Divorce (with minor children) | Uncontested/Contested | 1-year separation + 2-4 months processing | $86 filing fee + $12 service | Child custody/support agreement |
| Fault Divorce (adultery) | Contested | No waiting period + 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + trial costs | Evidence of adultery required |
| Fault Divorce (cruelty/desertion) | Contested | 1-year separation + 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + trial costs | Evidence of fault grounds |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide global advocacy with local precision for Chesterfield County family law matters.
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
Chesterfield County Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesterfield County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our experience includes successful divorce settlements, child custody agreements, and equitable distribution cases in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Chesterfield County Family Law Office
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.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; 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 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Separate property 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 and the child’s relationship with each parent. 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.
Related Virginia Family Law Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our statewide family law hub page.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney serving neighboring Henrico County.
Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense attorney in Chesterfield County.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.