In Chesterfield County, Virginia divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court divides marital property fairly based on 11 factors. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Separate property — assets you owned before marriage, inheritances, or gifts — is excluded from division. No-fault divorce requires 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, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce and equitable distribution laws, see Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). For court procedures and forms, visit 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 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 the Chesterfield County Circuit Court, 9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve the divorce papers on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion if you need temporary spousal support, child support, or custody. Hearings are typically set within 21-60 days.
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court. Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party.
- Present your property settlement agreement at the final hearing with a corroborating witness.
- Receive your final divorce decree. Uncontested cases take 2-4 months; contested cases take 9-18 months.
In Chesterfield County, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support under Virginia guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault; 6-month or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Property settlement agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + discovery costs | Trial; Guardian ad Litem fees $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | Mediation may be ordered |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing | Modification filing fee | Enforcement through wage garnishment |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Pendente lite motion costs | Modification possible with changed circumstances |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a landmark achievement that no other family law attorney in Chesterfield County can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is approximately 20 minutes from the Chesterfield County Circuit Court at 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 — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
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.
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 per 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?
It depends. 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).
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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.