Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
In Chesapeake, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation without minor children or a 1-year separation with children.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property, considering 11 factors for a fair division. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the best interests of the child standard for custody decisions. Va. Code § 20-108.1 provides the guidelines for calculating child support based on combined parental income.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake 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 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific forms and procedures in Chesapeake, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Law Process
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and other evidence through formal discovery procedures.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to attempt settlement before trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, proceed to trial where the judge decides all contested issues.
Family Law Procedures & Potential Outcomes
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures and considerations, not penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property and the best interests standard for children.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Court Costs | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Separation Period Met | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service | Signed Separation Agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault Grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + trial costs | Complexity of Assets |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Parent-Child Relationship |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Established at hearing | Motion filing fee | Combined Gross Income |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 12-24 months if complex | Business Valuator: $3,000-$10,000+ | Marital vs. Separate Property |
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 brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of each family’s situation.
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 Experience in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, serving Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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 Chesapeake, 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, 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.
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). Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Custody in Chesapeake 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. Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
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 Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Chesapeake, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.