Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
In Chesapeake, Virginia, divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law operates under equitable distribution principles. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs how marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. The court considers 11 factors when dividing assets. Separate property, such as pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division. Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation in Chesapeake family law matters.
For the official statute governing divorce grounds, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce at Chesapeake Circuit Court, 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation to resolve property division, custody, and support issues.
- Finalize the divorce with a final decree hearing, which requires a corroborating witness.
In Chesapeake, Virginia, divorce carries no criminal penalties, but financial consequences include filing fees of approximately $86 and potential Guardian ad Litem costs of $500-$2,500+.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee | None | 6-month separation required |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing fee | Emotional and financial | 1-year separation required |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is the single most powerful differentiator in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Chesapeake, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). Accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd). Serving Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, Greenbrier.
Family law lawyer near Chesapeake — near Chesapeake City Hall, Greenbrier area, Great Bridge, Chesapeake City Park, Deep Creek.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce: 2-4 months. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: $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).
How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 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).
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.