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. The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Chesapeake
Virginia family law is defined by state statutes. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases at 307 Albemarle Drive.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Child custody determinations are made under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests, considering ten factors. Child support is calculated using statewide guidelines based on the parents’ combined gross income and the number of children.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Chesapeake court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Court Process
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce, custody, or support complaint with the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at 307 Albemarle Drive, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) formally deliver the court papers to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the court’s discovery process to prepare for settlement negotiations or trial.
- Attempt mediation: Participate in voluntary mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party) to try to reach a settlement agreement on all contested issues.
- Proceed to trial: If no settlement is reached, present your case at a bench trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge for a final ruling.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific costs and timelines rather than criminal penalties. An uncontested divorce with a signed agreement takes 2-4 months, while a contested divorce can take 9-18 months.
| Matter | Classification | Typical Timeline | Primary Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | Filing fee: ~$86 + service fees | Chesapeake Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees, discovery, possible trial costs | Chesapeake Circuit |
| Child Custody Case | Best Interests Determination | 6-12 months | Filing fee, Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Chesapeake J&DR |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing fees, business valuation, forensic accounting | Chesapeake Circuit |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
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 every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law. This background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in complex financial divorce cases involving business valuation and asset division.
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
Documented Case Results in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake, Virginia, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. These results include favorable resolutions in divorce, custody, and support cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at the 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 clients in Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location
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 Hub | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.