Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, with 6 documented case results in this locality. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division for Chesapeake residents.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesapeake
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that apply in Chesapeake Circuit Court. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors).
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings accounting and information systems background to complex financial cases. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience.
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 Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Chesapeake family law cases are filed at Chesapeake General District Court, which provides local rules and forms.
Chesapeake Family Court Procedures
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.
- File initial pleadings at the Chesapeake Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on the other party by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Participate in the court’s scheduling conference to establish deadlines for discovery, motions, and trial.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial documents and responding to interrogatories.
- Attempt settlement through mediation or settlement conferences.
- Proceed to trial before a judge if settlement cannot be reached.
Chesapeake Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific costs and timelines rather than penalties. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months; contested divorce takes 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution with business valuation takes 12-24 months.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Timeline | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Chesapeake Circuit Court | ~$86 | 2-24 months | Service: $12-$100 |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Chesapeake Circuit Court | Additional costs | 21-60 days for hearing | Varies |
| Guardian ad Litem | Chesapeake J&DR Court | N/A | Case duration | $500-$2,500+ |
| Mediation | Court-referred | N/A | 1-3 sessions | $100-$300/hour per party |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings unique authority to Virginia family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm direct experience with the legislative process behind the law. Founded in 1997, the firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Our Richmond location serves Chesapeake clients with deep understanding of Virginia’s equitable distribution system. We provide full representation for divorce, custody, support, and complex property division matters.
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 total documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ case results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Serving Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier, accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd).
Family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area. 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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
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). Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322) handles all property division. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Chesapeake, we handle other matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense.
Learn more about our attorneys or visit 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.