Family Law Lawyer Henrico County — What Are Your Rights in Divorce or Custody?
A family law lawyer Henrico County can help you handle divorce, custody, and support matters in Henrico County Circuit and J&DR Courts. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which our firm’s founder personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Henrico County.
Virginia Family Law Statutes and Definitions
Family legal matters in Virginia are governed by specific statutes. The primary law for dividing marital property is Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. This law requires a fair, but not necessarily equal, division of assets and debts acquired during the marriage. For divorce, Va. Code § 20-91 outlines the grounds, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Child custody decisions are made based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which lists ten factors for the court to consider.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code (law.lis.virginia.gov). Information about court procedures and forms for Henrico County can be found on the Henrico County Circuit Court website (vacourts.gov).
Handling a Family Law Case in Henrico County
Henrico County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your situation with an attorney to understand your rights regarding property, support, and custody.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the correct Henrico County court and serves the other party.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property, support, and parenting plans.
- Court Hearings: Attend hearings for temporary orders (pendente lite) if needed. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to a final trial before a judge.
- Final Order: The court enters a final decree of divorce, custody order, or support order, legally finalizing the matter.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Henrico County, family law outcomes are determined by Virginia statutes and judicial discretion, with no fixed penalties but significant financial and personal consequences.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or Fault | Dissolution of marriage | Court costs, attorney fees, division of assets/debts | Change in tax status, eligibility for benefits |
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (11 factors) | Fair division of marital property | Division of real estate, retirement accounts, businesses | Long-term financial planning required |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Legal & physical custody arrangement | Possible Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+) | Parenting schedule, decision-making authority |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline calculation | Monthly support obligation | Based on combined income, childcare, healthcare costs | Enforceable by income withholding, contempt |
| Spousal Support | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (13 factors) | Temporary or permanent support order | Tax implications for payor and recipient | Modifiable based on change in circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Family Law Matters
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases. Our deep understanding of Virginia law is underscored by Mr. Sris’s personal work amending the state’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. We have a documented record of 21 case results in Henrico County across all practice areas.
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
Documented Case Experience
Our firm has extensive experience in family and domestic-related cases. For example, we have successfully secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) in Fairfax County for charges of assault and battery against a family member under Va. Code § 18.2-57.2. In another case, we achieved a reduction of a domestic assault charge to a lesser offense. These results demonstrate our approach to building strong defenses in matters that often intersect with family court proceedings.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Henrico County Family Law Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment. By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Henrico County, including Glen Allen, Short Pump, and Innsbrook. We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. Contact a family law lawyer Henrico County for a 24/7 phone consultation.
Family Law in Henrico County: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Henrico County, Virginia?
It depends. An uncontested divorce with a signed agreement takes 2-4 months. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuations can take 12-24 months. Temporary support hearings are typically set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Henrico County, Virginia?
The filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), motion fees, and potentially a Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) or mediation ($100-$300/hour). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity and whether the divorce is contested.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
How is child custody decided in Henrico County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers ten factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Henrico J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with an agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no wait), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with one year of imprisonment.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in Henrico County and DUI cases. For help in a neighboring area, consider our family court attorney in Chesterfield County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current guidance on your family legal matters in Henrico County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.