Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, with 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. Our firm, founded in 1997, handles divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, and support matters in 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 — personally amended by Mr. Sris), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests).
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Chesapeake court information, see the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Law Process
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 307 Albemarle Drive. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce or custody complaint with the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100) to meet Virginia service requirements.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through formal discovery to prepare for settlement negotiations or trial.
- Attempt mediation: Participate in voluntary mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach a settlement agreement without a trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge for a final decision.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures and costs rather than penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state with no-fault divorce after 6-month or 1-year separation periods.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + possible trial costs | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Marital property division | 12-24 months | $86 filing + forensic experts + valuation | Business valuation often required |
| Child Custody | Best interests determination | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 10 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Firm Credentials
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). With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our team brings deep knowledge to Chesapeake family law matters. 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 Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our experience with Chesapeake Circuit Court procedures helps us handle the details of your family law matter effectively.
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Local Representation
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. 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, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, consider our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about our attorneys or visit our Richmond office page.
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.