Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Chesapeake divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesapeake
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia divorce laws, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Chesapeake court procedures and forms, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family 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.
- File a complaint for divorce with Chesapeake Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse using the sheriff ($12) or a private process server.
- If contested, attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary support within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery, which may include business valuation for complex assets.
- Attempt mediation, available but not mandatory in Virginia.
- Attend final hearing or trial if settlement is not reached.
Chesapeake Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Chesapeake, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential spousal support, and equitable distribution of marital property.
| Issue | 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 pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Asset Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86 filing + valuation fees | Forensic accountant may be needed |
| Child Custody Case | Best interests standard | Varies | $86 filing + GAL fees ($500-$2,500+) | Guardian ad Litem appointed |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
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, giving our Chesapeake family law practice direct insight into this critical 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
Chesapeake Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include divorces with property settlement agreements, custody arrangements, and support orders resolved favorably for our clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Chesapeake Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts. We are accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. Chesapeake family law lawyer near Greenbrier and Great Bridge. 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: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support: typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and 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. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. 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, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer. 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 March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.