Chesapeake Family Law Lawyer — How Can We Protect Your Family’s Future?
Family law matters in Chesapeake are governed by Virginia statutes, including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience to handle the details of your case. We serve Chesapeake families facing difficult transitions.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law covers divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, and property division. The primary statutes are found in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. For example, Va. Code § 20-91 outlines the grounds for divorce, and Va. Code § 20-124.3 lists the factors for determining the best interests of a child in custody cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family laws, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For local court forms and procedures, refer to the Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court website.
Family Law Process in Chesapeake
Family law cases in Chesapeake are heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (for matters involving children) or the Circuit Court (for divorce and equitable distribution). The process typically begins with filing a petition and serving the other party.
- File a petition: File the appropriate petition with the court clerk’s office and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Ensure the other party is formally served with the court documents.
- Attend initial hearings: Attend scheduled hearings to address temporary arrangements.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other relevant information.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in settlement conferences or mediation.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Chesapeake, family law matters do not carry criminal penalties like jail time, but court orders for support, custody, and property division have binding legal force.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Potential Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Joint or sole legal/physical custody, visitation schedule |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Monthly payment based on parental income and expenses |
| Spousal Support | Statutory Factors | Temporary or permanent support, amount and duration vary |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Division of marital assets and debts |
| Divorce | Fault or No-Fault Grounds | Dissolution of marriage, final decree |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Our Experience in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a firm-wide record of 4,739+ case results, our team brings substantial knowledge to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally contributed to the amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Virginia recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds. The most common no-fault ground is living separate and apart for one year (or six months with no minor children and a separation agreement). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
How is child custody determined in Chesapeake?
The Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court decides custody based on the child’s best interests. Factors include each parent’s ability to care for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s own reasonable preferences if they are of sufficient age and maturity.
What is the difference between legal and physical custody?
Legal custody involves the right to make major decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religion. Physical custody refers to where the child lives. Both can be shared (joint) or granted primarily to one parent (sole).
How is child support calculated in Virginia?
Virginia uses statutory guidelines based on both parents’ gross incomes, the number of children, work-related childcare costs, and health insurance premiums. The court can deviate from the guidelines for specific reasons, such as a child’s special needs or the parents’ shared custody arrangement.
What is equitable distribution of marital property?
Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, marital property acquired during the marriage is divided equitably, which means fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors like each spouse’s contributions, the length of the marriage, and the economic circumstances of each party.
Family Law Help in Chesapeake
Our Virginia location is accessible to Chesapeake residents. We serve the Chesapeake area and surrounding communities. For 24/7 phone consultations, call (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Phone: (888) 437-7747
Related Legal Information
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also assist with divorce in Chesapeake and Chesapeake criminal defense. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.