A trial separation lawyer Colonial Heights helps you establish terms for living apart before divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-91, Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault divorce. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Colonial Heights.
What Is a Trial Separation Under Virginia Law?
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
A trial separation is a period when married spouses live apart with the intent to evaluate reconciliation or proceed toward divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-91, the separation period counts toward the statutory waiting period for no-fault divorce. A trial separation lawyer Colonial Heights drafts a separation agreement that addresses property division, spousal support, and child-related matters during the separation. The agreement becomes binding once signed by both parties. Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles all divorce filings at 550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), giving the firm unique insight into Virginia family law.
Official Virginia Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-91 — Divorce grounds and separation requirements
- Colonial Heights General District Court — Official website
How a Trial Separation Lawyer Colonial Heights Handles Your Case
Colonial Heights Circuit Court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. The separation agreement must be notarized and signed by both parties. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants may be needed for complex marital estates.
- Schedule a consultation with a trial separation lawyer Colonial Heights to discuss your goals.
- Draft a separation agreement covering property division, spousal support, and custody if applicable.
- Both parties sign the agreement before a notary public.
- Live separately for the required period (6 months without minor children; 1 year with minor children).
- File for divorce at Colonial Heights Circuit Court after the separation period ends.
- Attend the uncontested divorce hearing with your corroborating witness.
In Colonial Heights, family law matters carry no criminal penalties but involve financial consequences including spousal support, child support, and property division under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Duration | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spousal Support | Equitable distribution factor | Based on 13 statutory factors | Duration varies by marriage length | Modifiable upon changed circumstances |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Based on combined gross income | Until child emancipates | Enforcement through wage withholding |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution | Marital property divided fairly | One-time division | Separate property excluded |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Trial Separation Cases in Colonial Heights
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, 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 property division in Virginia divorces. This amendment gives the firm unmatched authority on Virginia family law matters. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, firm founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law matters requiring advanced strategy. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Colonial Heights Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results in Colonial Heights across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include dismissals and reductions in traffic matters at Colonial Heights General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Our Richmond location is accessible from Colonial Heights courts (550 Boulevard) via I-95 and Route 1. We serve Colonial Heights and surrounding communities.
Trial separation lawyer near Colonial Heights — serving Colonial Heights, Chester, Midlothian, and the I-95 corridor.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
24/7 phone consultations. Meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trial Separation in Colonial Heights
How long does a trial separation last before divorce in Colonial Heights?
Yes, Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault divorce. The separation period starts when you and your spouse live in separate homes with intent to remain apart.
Do I need a separation agreement during trial separation in Colonial Heights?
Yes, a signed separation agreement is strongly recommended. It establishes terms for property division, spousal support, and custody during the separation. Without one, disputes may require court intervention at Colonial Heights Circuit Court.
Can I date during a trial separation in Virginia?
It depends. Dating during separation does not affect no-fault divorce grounds, but it may impact spousal support if cohabitation occurs. Adultery during separation is a fault ground for divorce with no waiting period under Va. Code § 20-91.
What happens to our house during trial separation in Colonial Heights?
The separation agreement should address who stays in the marital home and who pays the mortgage. The court divides marital property equitably under Va. Code § 20-107.3 at divorce. Separate property (pre-marriage) is excluded.
How much does a trial separation lawyer cost in Colonial Heights?
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 mediation required before trial separation in Colonial Heights?
No, mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. However, Colonial Heights Circuit Court may order mediation in contested custody cases. A trial separation lawyer Colonial Heights can negotiate terms directly with your spouse’s attorney.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer
- Colonial Heights Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Colonial Heights DUI Lawyer
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.