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 courts. 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, offers full representation for divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters.
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), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors).
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 Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, 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.
- File a divorce complaint with Chesapeake Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee. Serve the other party with the complaint and summons.
- If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a pendente lite motion. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial documents, completing interrogatories, and conducting depositions if needed. This process establishes the marital estate.
- Participate in mediation to try to reach a settlement agreement on property division, support, and custody without a trial.
- If settlement fails, prepare for trial by organizing evidence, preparing witnesses, and developing legal arguments for equitable distribution.
- Attend the final divorce hearing. The judge will issue a final decree addressing all marital issues.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties, with divorce requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation period and equitable distribution following statutory guidelines.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Legal Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service | 6-month/1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing, mediation, trial | Equitable distribution |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital property division | 12-24 months complex | Forensic accountant fees | 11 statutory factors |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
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). The firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide 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
Case Results in Chesapeake
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 in Chesapeake courts.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. Family law lawyer near Chesapeake. 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 | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
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.