Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Chesapeake divorce cases are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
In Chesapeake, family law matters are heard at the Chesapeake Circuit Court located at 307 Albemarle Drive.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on best interests of the child), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Chesapeake court information, see the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Court Procedures
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 initial pleadings at Chesapeake Circuit Court with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party using the sheriff ($12) or a private process server.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support if needed (21-60 days).
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange.
- Attempt voluntary mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
- Proceed to trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge if no agreement.
Virginia Family Law Standards
In Chesapeake, family law follows Virginia’s equitable distribution system where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after 6-month/1-year separation; fault grounds available | 2-24 months | $86 filing fee + service costs |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Establish at filing | Court costs + possible GAL |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies by complexity | GAL: $500-$2,500+ |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months complex | Forensic accountant fees |
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), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
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 Experience
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving Chesapeake Families
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake serving 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. 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 on Virginia family law, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby localities including 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 or visit our Richmond office page.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.