Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The key statutes 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). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings extensive experience to Chesapeake family law cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information and forms, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File initial pleadings at Chesapeake Circuit Court with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons.
- Attend the scheduling conference to set discovery and mediation deadlines.
- Complete financial discovery and exchange documents.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation or settlement conferences.
- Prepare for trial if settlement cannot be reached.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
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 (with minor children) for no-fault grounds.
| Matter | Court | Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 + costs | Discovery and possible trial |
| Child Custody | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 3-9 months | ~$86 | Best interests of child analysis |
| Child Support | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 1-3 months | ~$86 | Virginia guidelines calculation |
| Equitable Distribution | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 12-24 months | ~$86 + costs | 11-factor analysis under § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in Chesapeake. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision.” reflects our approach to Chesapeake family law cases.
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters resolved through settlement or trial.
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Local Representation in Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. 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.
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).
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, see our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer and Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer pages. Learn more about our attorneys and our Richmond office location.
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.