In Henrico County, Virginia, a contested divorce involves disputes over property, custody, or support under Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Henrico County, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances. You need a contested divorce lawyer Henrico County who understands local court procedures and can advocate for your interests.
Contested Divorce Lawyer Henrico County, Virginia
Virginia law provides for both no-fault and fault-based divorce grounds under Va. Code § 20-91. A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on key issues such as property division, spousal support, child custody, or child support. Henrico County Circuit Court, located at 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228, handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally, based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 — a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to contested divorce cases in Henrico County.
Last verified: May 2026 | Henrico County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, see Va. Code § 20-91 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Henrico County Circuit Court, contested divorce cases often involve complex financial disclosures and business valuations. We have observed that judges in the Fourteenth Judicial District expect thorough documentation of marital and separate property from the outset.
- File a complaint for divorce at Henrico County Circuit Court, stating grounds under Va. Code § 20-91.
- Serve the respondent with the divorce papers and a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody.
- Exchange financial affidavits, tax returns, and asset valuations through formal discovery.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days to establish temporary orders.
- Participate in mediation (available but not mandatory) to attempt settlement.
- Proceed to trial if no agreement is reached; the court issues a final decree of divorce.
In Henrico County, a contested divorce involves no criminal penalties, but the court determines property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support under Virginia’s equitable distribution laws.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Timeline | Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Henrico County Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fee: ~$86; forensic accounting: $2,000-$10,000+ | Separate property excluded; marital property divided fairly |
| Spousal Support | 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Henrico County Circuit Court | Determined at trial or pendente lite hearing | Attorney fees vary | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Henrico County J&DR Court (standalone) or Circuit Court (within divorce) | 9-18 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Custody and visitation orders enforceable by contempt |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Henrico County J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Determined at hearing | Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party | Modifiable upon change in income or custody |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Henrico County: 17 dismissed or not guilty, 4 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results include traffic, criminal, and family law matters across Henrico County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a 93%+ favorable-outcome rate. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 10 miles from Henrico County Circuit Court, with access via I-64, I-95, and I-295. If you need a contested divorce lawyer near Henrico County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contested Divorce in Henrico County
How long does a divorce take in Henrico County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces with a signed separation agreement typically resolve in 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorces — with disputes over custody, support, or property — routinely take 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution cases involving business valuation or retirement assets can extend to 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support and custody are typically set within 21-60 days of motion. Henrico County Circuit Court (4301 East Parham Road) handles all divorce matters.
How much does a divorce cost in Henrico County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases are filed at Henrico County Circuit Court.
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). Henrico County Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Henrico County, Virginia?
Custody in Henrico County is based on the experienced 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. Henrico County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases. Henrico County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds: 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 Henrico County Circuit Court.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against contested divorce charges?
Defense strategies for contested divorce in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with opposing counsel, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-91 (fault-based or 1-year separation) to build the strongest possible case.
What should I do if I am facing contested divorce charges in Virginia?
If facing contested divorce proceedings in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Norfolk Military Divorce Lawyer Virginia hub page. Explore related pages: Family Law Lawyer Loudoun County, Family Law Lawyer Falls Church, and Family Law Lawyer Fairfax County. Also see our Insurance Lawyer Henrico County and Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Henrico County pages.
Page Last verified: May 2026. Statute and court information verified on 2026-02-15.