Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, with 6 documented case results in the locality. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Our firm, founded in 1997, offers full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The key laws include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution, and Va. Code § 20-124.3 for child custody determinations.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, 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.
- Consult with an attorney to review your situation and options.
- File the appropriate complaint or petition with Chesapeake Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
- Serve the other party with legal documents as required by Virginia law.
- Participate in discovery, mediation, or settlement negotiations.
- Attend court hearings for temporary orders or final resolution.
- Obtain the final court order and ensure proper implementation.
Family Law Penalties and Costs in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific court costs and procedures rather than criminal penalties. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing + motion fees | Possible pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86+ filing + experienced fees | Business valuation often needed |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Filing fees + GAL costs | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
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 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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 Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. Our experience includes successful resolution of divorce, custody, and property division cases in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
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), accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We provide family law lawyer services near Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
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: 12-24 months. 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 Chesapeake, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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 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 and the child’s relationship with each parent. Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody 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 Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, see our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer and Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer pages. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or visit our Richmond office location page.
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.