Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
In Chesapeake, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation without minor children or a 1-year separation with children, per Va. Code § 20-91.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes divorce grounds, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based reasons like adultery or cruelty. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily equally—based on 11 statutory factors. Child custody determinations follow the “best interests of the child” standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which considers ten factors including each parent’s relationship with the child and ability to meet the child’s needs.
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 § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For information about Chesapeake court procedures, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Law Court Process
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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 the Chesapeake Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party through the sheriff or a private process server.
- Attend the scheduling conference to set discovery and mediation deadlines.
- Complete financial disclosure and discovery requests.
- Participate in court-ordered or voluntary mediation.
- Prepare for and attend the final hearing if no settlement is reached.
Family Law Outcomes and Considerations
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures and potential outcomes rather than penalties, with equitable distribution of property and child support calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation (with children) | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Fault grounds or disputed issues | 9-18 months | Filing fee + discovery + possible trial costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies by complexity | Possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division based on 11 factors | 12-24 months if complex | Possible business valuation experts |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a unique combination of legal experience and financial acumen to complex family law cases. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, the firm has established a record of effective representation. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law development. This background in accounting and information systems provides particular advantage in cases involving business valuation, retirement assets, and complex financial matters.
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include successful resolutions in divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters handled at Chesapeake Circuit Court and Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Chesapeake Family Law Lawyer Near You
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 provide family law lawyer services 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. Available 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 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need legal assistance in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, we also provide Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer and Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer services. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.