Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, where divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91. Our firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We handle divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, and support matters at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in Chesapeake is governed by Virginia statutes including 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., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings extensive experience with these statutes.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For authoritative information on Virginia family law, consult these government resources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) — official Virginia General Assembly statutes
- Chesapeake General District Court website — court procedures and contact information
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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File a divorce complaint with Chesapeake Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging service of process on your spouse.
- If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information through formal discovery procedures to identify marital assets and liabilities.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or mediation to resolve property division, support, and custody issues without a trial.
- If settlement fails, prepare for trial where the judge will decide all contested issues based on Virginia family law statutes.
- Receive the final divorce decree from Chesapeake Circuit Court, which formalizes the dissolution of marriage and all related orders.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties, with divorce requiring a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation, and equitable distribution following 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after separation; fault grounds available | 2-4 months (uncontested); 9-18 months (contested) | $86 filing fee + service costs |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months for complex cases | Varies with asset complexity |
| Child Custody | Best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies by case complexity | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Established at filing or hearing | Court costs apply |
| Spousal Support | 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Determined at hearing or trial | Varies by case |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Chesapeake Family Law
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Chesapeake family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division matters. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Services in Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. As a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, we represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
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
Virginia Family Law Lawyer — our state hub page for family law information
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — serving neighboring jurisdiction
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer — related practice area in Chesapeake
Attorney Bryan Block Profile — learn about our of counsel attorney
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.