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. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce and property division matters at 307 Albemarle Drive. Our firm offers 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support obligations. The key statutes 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).
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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 divorce cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific procedures and forms, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
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.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce, custody, or support complaint at Chesapeake Circuit Court with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served by sheriff, private process server, or accepted service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders are needed, attend the hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and gather evidence through interrogatories and depositions.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve issues.
- Proceed to final hearing: If settlement fails, present your case at a final hearing before a judge.
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 | Timeline | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after separation; fault grounds available | 2-24 months | Court fees $86+; attorney fees vary |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Discovery phase 3-6 months | Valuation costs $1,500-$5,000+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Standalone: 3-9 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Establishment: 1-3 months | Monthly obligations based on income shares |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Temporary: 21-60 days; Permanent: at final hearing | Monthly payments based on need/ability |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. Our firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide.
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 divorces with complex property division, child custody determinations, and spousal support modifications handled at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Serving Chesapeake and Surrounding Communities
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd). We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area.
We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities.
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.
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 Resources
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you’re in a neighboring area, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, see our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience or visit our Richmond office location page.
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.