Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The key laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests).
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Chesapeake family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division matters.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Court Procedures
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 307 Albemarle Drive. 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 divorce complaint with Chesapeake Circuit Court, stating grounds and requests.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff, private process server, or acceptance.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody orders are needed during the case.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange and depositions if necessary.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve issues.
- Proceed to trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge if settlement fails.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties, with divorce requiring a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault grounds.
| Matter | Court | Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 + costs | Discovery and possible trial |
| Child Custody | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 3-9 months | ~$86 | Best interests of child analysis |
| Equitable Distribution | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 12-24 months | ~$86 + costs | Valuation of marital assets |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing exceptional insight into complex property division cases in Chesapeake.
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
Chesapeake Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces with favorable property division, child custody arrangements in the client’s best interests, and successful support modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd). We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities.
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 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.
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 Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, see our criminal defense and DUI/DWI pages. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.