Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, where divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution by Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division for Chesapeake residents.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not automatically 50/50.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in Chesapeake is governed by Virginia state statutes. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), Va. Code § 20-124.3 (child custody best interests), and Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). For court-specific forms and procedures in Chesapeake, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Law 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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case.
- Filing the initial pleading: Your attorney will prepare and file the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the Chesapeake Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the required filing fee.
- Discovery and information exchange: Both parties exchange financial documents and other relevant information through formal discovery processes to identify marital assets and liabilities.
- Negotiation and settlement attempts: Your attorney will engage in settlement discussions or mediation to try to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody without a trial.
- Trial preparation and presentation: If settlement fails, your attorney will prepare for trial, gathering evidence, lining up witnesses, and developing arguments to present before the judge.
- Post-trial motions and enforcement: After a judgment is entered, your attorney can assist with enforcing the court’s orders or seeking modifications if circumstances change.
Family Law Procedures and Potential Outcomes
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific court procedures and financial considerations, not criminal penalties. The process and costs vary based on case complexity.
| Matter | Court / Classification | Typical Timeline | Filing & Common Costs | Key Legal Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | 6-month or 1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fees + discovery costs + possible experienced fees | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Chesapeake J&DR Court | Varies | Filing fees + possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) |
| Child Support | Chesapeake J&DR Court | Establishment: 1-3 months | Filing fees | Virginia guidelines based on combined income |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases in Chesapeake. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing deep, firsthand understanding of this critical area of law.
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 Experience in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. Our experience includes handling divorce, property division, and child-related issues in Chesapeake courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Services for Chesapeake Residents
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, serving the 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). Filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also assist Chesapeake residents with Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI Defense. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current guidance on your Chesapeake family law matter.