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. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesapeake
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that govern divorce, property division, and child-related matters in Chesapeake. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property, Va. Code § 20-124.3 for child custody determinations, and Va. Code § 20-108.1 for child support guidelines.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This firsthand legislative experience provides unique insight into property division cases. The firm was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Chesapeake family law matters.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code (law.lis.virginia.gov). For Chesapeake court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
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: File a divorce complaint or custody petition at Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint served by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service within 120 days of filing.
- Attend scheduling conference: Participate in the court’s scheduling conference to establish deadlines for discovery, motions, and trial.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures, respond to interrogatories, and conduct depositions as ordered by the court.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to resolve issues without a trial when possible.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare exhibits, witness lists, and trial briefs for the final hearing before the judge.
Chesapeake Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than penalties: Virginia is an equitable distribution state with no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after separation; fault grounds available | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-24 months |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 6-24 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 3-12 months |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 1-3 months |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 3-12 months |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Family Law Experience in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in Chesapeake. 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
Chesapeake Family Law 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 results include successful divorce settlements, custody arrangements, and property division agreements handled at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Family Law Lawyer Serving Chesapeake
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 communities. Available 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 Services
For more information about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
We also serve nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law.
In Chesapeake, we handle other legal matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense.
Learn more about our attorneys and our Richmond office 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.