Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, where divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution by Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in Chesapeake is governed by Virginia statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended, governs equitable distribution of marital property. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines factors for determining child custody based on the child’s best interests. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings this legislative experience to your case.
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 Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, 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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File initial pleadings at Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with required filing fees.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons.
- Attend the scheduling conference to set discovery deadlines and trial dates.
- Complete discovery, including financial document exchange.
- Participate in mediation or settlement conferences.
- Proceed to trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge if settlement fails.
Penalties and Consequences in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific financial and procedural requirements rather than criminal penalties.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Property agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs | Possible temporary orders |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Marital property division | 12-24 months | $86 filing + valuation experts | Business valuation needed |
| Child Custody | Best interests determination | Varies | Filing fees + GAL ($500-$2,500+) | Parenting plan required |
Results may vary based on individual case facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. Our tagline reflects our approach: “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 divorces with favorable property divisions and custody arrangements resolved through negotiation or trial.
Results may vary based on individual case facts and court discretion.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts. We are accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. As a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, we serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (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.
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 neighboring areas 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 and our Richmond location.
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.