
In Augusta County, Virginia, divorce follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented case results in Augusta County. A Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer Augusta County handles cases where a spouse’s felony conviction provides grounds for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law provides specific grounds for divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-91, a felony conviction resulting in imprisonment for one year or more constitutes a fault-based ground for divorce. This means a spouse can file for divorce immediately without waiting for the standard separation period. The conviction must be for a felony, and the incarceration must last at least one year. A Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer Augusta County understands how to present this evidence to the court. The statute also covers other fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, and desertion for one year. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and both parties sign a separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are present. Augusta County Circuit Court handles all divorce filings. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique insight into Virginia family law.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia General Assembly’s official code for Va. Code § 20-91 and the Augusta County General District Court website for local court procedures and filing information.
Augusta County Circuit Court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. The court expects both parties to present their separation agreement clearly. Filing fees start at approximately $86 for the divorce complaint.
- File a divorce complaint at Augusta County Circuit Court, 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Complete financial disclosure and property valuation, including business assets if applicable.
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement to avoid trial.
- Present your case at the final divorce hearing with a corroborating witness.
In Augusta County, divorce outcomes depend on the grounds filed and the complexity of marital assets. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50.
| Grounds | Classification | Separation Requirement | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felony Conviction | Fault-based | None (immediate filing) | ~$86 | Service of process: $12-$100 | Must show conviction + 1+ year imprisonment |
| Adultery | Fault-based | None | ~$86 | Private investigator: $500-$2,000+ | Requires corroborating evidence |
| No-fault (no children) | No-fault | 6 months | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hour | Requires signed separation agreement |
| No-fault (with children) | No-fault | 1 year | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Child custody and support must be addressed |
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, making the firm uniquely qualified to handle complex divorce matters in Augusta County. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Samantha Powers focuses exclusively on family law matters in Virginia, including divorce, custody, and equitable distribution.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law cases in Augusta County. He brings over 25 years of experience and a former prosecutor’s perspective to divorce proceedings.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 total documented case results across all practice areas in Augusta County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include reduced charges and favorable dispositions in traffic and criminal matters. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock Location serves clients at Augusta County courts (6 East Johnson Street), accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, Route 250, and Route 340.
Looking for a divorce after felony lawyer Augusta County or a criminal conviction divorce lawyer Augusta County? We serve Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Augusta 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. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Augusta 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/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). Augusta County Circuit Court handles all property division.
How is child custody decided in Augusta County, Virginia?
Custody in Augusta 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. Augusta County J&DR Court handles standalone custody matters.
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 Augusta County Circuit Court.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. Explore nearby localities: Shenandoah County Family Law Lawyer and Rockingham County Family Law Lawyer. Related services in Augusta County: Augusta County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Augusta County DUI Lawyer.
Learn more about our team: Bryan Block, Former Virginia State Trooper. Visit our Shenandoah Office location.
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.
