Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesterfield County, Virginia
In Chesterfield County, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. This statute governs how marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors when dividing assets. Separate property, such as assets acquired before marriage or through inheritance, is excluded from division. Child custody decisions follow Va. Code § 20-124.3, based on the best interests of the child. Child support is calculated using 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. Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For more information, review the Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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. A property settlement agreement (separation 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 complaint for divorce at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Attend the final hearing with your corroborating witness.
- Receive the final decree of divorce from the court.
In Chesterfield County, divorce carries no criminal penalty, but financial consequences include filing fees, attorney costs, and potential spousal support.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost | Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee | Final decree | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing fee | Trial or settlement | Higher attorney fees |
| Child Custody | Best interests | Varies | $500-$2,500+ GAL | Parenting plan | Mediation may be required |
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 achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, 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 E-E-A-T differentiator in the Virginia family law market. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law matters requiring advanced strategy.
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. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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).
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.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Chesterfield County, 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.
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. Additional costs vary based on case complexity.
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). Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Custody in Chesterfield County 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. Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
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Attorney Profile: Bryan Block | Location: Richmond Office
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.