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 at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris helped amend, governs equitable distribution of marital property based on 11 statutory factors, not a 50/50 split.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official resources: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce) and Chesapeake General District Court website.
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 a Complaint for Divorce at Chesapeake Circuit Court with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service or private process server.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days if temporary support or custody is needed.
- Complete discovery, including financial disclosures and property valuation.
- Attempt mediation if ordered by the court or agreed by both parties.
- Proceed to trial if settlement cannot be reached.
In Chesapeake, divorce carries specific procedural requirements and financial obligations rather than criminal penalties.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Legal Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Simplified Procedure | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Standard Litigation | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + trial costs | Court decides all issues |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced valuation fees | 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). Family law lawyer near Chesapeake accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd). 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.
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).
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).
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in 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 and our Richmond location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.