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, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault grounds. The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Our attorneys handle divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, and support matters in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Equitable distribution of marital property follows Va. Code § 20-107.3. Child custody decisions use the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support factors are listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
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 Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court forms and procedures, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Law 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 the initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee. Serve the complaint on your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief. The hearing is typically set within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to identify all marital assets and liabilities.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Negotiate a property settlement agreement. If needed, attend court-ordered or voluntary mediation to resolve contested issues.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare for trial by subpoenaing witnesses, hiring experts for business valuation, and filing pre-trial motions.
- Attend the final hearing: Present evidence and arguments at the final divorce hearing before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge to obtain the final decree.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court Authority | Typical Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault or Fault | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-24 months | Separation period, grounds |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-24 months | 11 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Chesapeake J&DR Court / Circuit Court | 3-12 months | 10 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-124.3) |
| Child Support | Guideline Calculation | Chesapeake J&DR Court / Circuit Court | 1-3 months | Combined gross income, custody schedule |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary Award | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 6-18 months | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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. Our tagline is “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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake. We serve the Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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. 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information on Virginia family law, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Chesapeake, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.