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. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation. Our firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
In Chesapeake, family law matters are handled by Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive. The court considers the best interests of the child for custody and follows statutory guidelines for support.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 defines divorce grounds, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3 establishes equitable distribution of marital property, considering 11 factors for a fair division. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the best interests of the child standard for custody decisions. Va. Code § 20-108.1 provides the child support guidelines 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 information about Chesapeake courts, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Law Court 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.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: File the divorce complaint with Chesapeake Circuit Court. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures. Negotiate a property settlement agreement for equitable distribution, child custody, and support.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders if needed. Finalize the divorce decree after meeting Virginia’s separation requirements.
Family Law Outcomes and Costs in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties. Virginia law requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Court Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Signed separation agreement | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Court decides equitable distribution | 9-18 months | $86 filing + hearing costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child | 3-12 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Complex Asset Division | 11-factor equitable distribution | 12-24 months | Forensic accountant fees |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Our Firm’s Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep involvement with the law provides a unique advantage in complex property division cases. Our firm follows the principle: Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 Results 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. These results include successful divorce settlements, custody agreements, and property division resolutions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving Chesapeake and Surrounding Areas
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area.
We serve 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 or retirement assets: 12-24 months; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion. 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; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
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). Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all property division. 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. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles custody within divorce 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Chesapeake, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.