Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Hanover County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by several key statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests, while child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Information about court procedures and forms for Hanover County can be found on the Hanover County General District Court website.
Hanover County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Hanover County are split between two courts. The Hanover County Circuit Court at 7507 Library Drive handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Hanover County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce or custody complaint at the Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse or the other parent by a sheriff, process server, or through acceptance of service.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Participate in mediation if ordered or agreed upon to try to settle issues.
- Prepare for and attend trial: If no settlement is reached, prepare your case for trial before a judge at the Hanover County Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Hanover County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system for property division and statutory guidelines for child support and custody determinations.
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Hanover Circuit Court | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Hanover J&DR Court | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Guideline Calculation | Hanover J&DR Court | Combined gross income under Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary Award | Hanover Circuit Court | 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
| Divorce Waiting Period | No-fault Separation | Hanover Circuit Court | 6 months (no children) or 1 year (with children) |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm unique insight into property division cases. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
Case Results in Hanover County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 documented case results in Hanover County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. These results include cases involving divorce, child custody disputes, and complex property division.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Hanover County courts. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33. Our family law lawyer near Hanover County represents clients throughout Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Hanover County, Virginia?
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; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Hanover County, Virginia?
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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
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). Hanover County Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Hanover County, Virginia?
Custody in Hanover County 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. Hanover County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Hanover County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
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). Filed at Hanover County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Hanover County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.