In Chesterfield County, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. A Service Member Divorce Lawyer Chesterfield County understands the unique challenges military families face during dissolution.
Virginia Divorce Law in Chesterfield County
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. For a no-fault divorce, you need a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. The firm was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Official Resources for Chesterfield County Divorce
For the complete statutory framework, review Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Chesterfield County Family Law
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- 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 (available but not mandatory in Virginia).
- Attend the uncontested divorce hearing with a corroborating witness.
- Receive the final decree of divorce from the Circuit Court judge.
In Chesterfield County, Virginia, divorce carries no criminal penalty, but the financial and custody outcomes are determined by statute.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Service: $12-$100 | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or Fault | 9-18 months | ~$86 | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Best interests | Varies | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hr | Va. Code § 20-124.2 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Chesterfield County Divorce?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia. This is a unique credential that no other family law attorney in Chesterfield County can claim. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, is a former prosecutor with over 25 years of experience. He is admitted to practice in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY, and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Case Results in Chesterfield County
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. One notable result: a Possession of Marijuana charge under Va. Code § 18.2-250.1 was resolved with a Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) in Chesterfield General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Chesterfield County Location
Our Richmond location is approximately 20 minutes from Chesterfield County Circuit Court, accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
Looking for a Service Member Divorce Lawyer Chesterfield County near Midlothian or Chester? We serve clients throughout the area.
We serve the communities of 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. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Chesterfield County
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: 12-24 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: 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 (personally amended by Mr. Sris).
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.
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).
Can a dissolution of marriage lawyer Chesterfield County help with military divorce?
Yes. A dissolution of marriage lawyer Chesterfield County can address unique military divorce issues including the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, military pension division, and deployment-related custody arrangements.
How do I start the divorce process in Chesterfield County?
First, determine if you meet Virginia’s residency requirement (at least 6 months). Then, consult with a lawyer to understand how to file for divorce lawyer Chesterfield County procedures. Your attorney will file a complaint at the Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- Henrico County Divorce Lawyer
- Colonial Heights Divorce Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Chesterfield County DUI Lawyer
- Richmond Office Location
- Bryan Block — Former VA State Trooper
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.