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 Chesapeake. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The key laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests).
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings extensive experience to Chesapeake family law cases. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment to Virginia’s equitable distribution statute demonstrates deep involvement in family law development.
Official Legal Resources
For authoritative information on Virginia family law, consult these government resources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Virginia divorce statutes
- Chesapeake General District Court website – Court information and procedures
Chesapeake Family Law 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 divorce complaint with the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody orders are needed, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial disclosures through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or mediation to resolve property division, support, and custody issues.
- Prepare for trial if settlement fails by gathering evidence, identifying witnesses, and developing legal arguments.
- Attend the final hearing where the judge issues orders on divorce, property division, support, and custody.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific legal standards: 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 | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or fault grounds | $86 filing fee + service costs | 6-month or 1-year separation requirement |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Varies by marital estate value | 11 statutory factors considered |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payments based on formula | Continues until age 18 or graduation |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent payments | Modifiable based on circumstances |
| Custody Disputes | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting time schedules established |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has 120+ years of combined attorney experience. The firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating substantive contributions to family law.
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 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 for family law matters. These results include successful divorce settlements, custody arrangements, and property division agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Chesapeake Representation
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, Greenbrier area, Great Bridge, Chesapeake City Park, and Deep Creek.
We serve the Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities. Contact us 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. 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.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page for family law information.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Representation in neighboring Henrico County.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense representation in Chesapeake.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our of counsel attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.