Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
In Chesapeake, Virginia, divorce and family law matters are governed by statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We handle cases at the Chesapeake Circuit Court located at 307 Albemarle Drive.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by several key statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided fairly upon divorce. Child custody determinations are made based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, while child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family laws, refer to the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Chesapeake General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and contact details.
Family Law Process in Chesapeake
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters, while 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 or custody complaint with the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) formally deliver the legal documents to your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach an agreement without trial.
- Prepare for the final hearing: If no agreement is reached, prepare evidence and witnesses for a trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge.
Potential Outcomes in Chesapeake Family Law Cases
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures and potential outcomes based on Virginia’s equitable distribution system and child-focused standards.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Typical Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | Filing fees + legal fees |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 9-18 months | Fees + possible experienced costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Ongoing | Filing fees |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law.
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 family law matters handled locally.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the 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 clients in 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.
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. 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with other matters, see our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer 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.