Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Chesapeake divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. We have 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Our firm, founded in 1997, offers 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesapeake
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases at 307 Albemarle Drive.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists. With minor children, a 1-year separation is required. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia divorce statutes, visit the Virginia Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). Chesapeake family law cases are filed at Chesapeake General District Court, which provides local rules and forms.
Chesapeake Family Court Procedures
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.
- File initial pleadings at Chesapeake Circuit Court with required filing fee.
- Serve the other party with complaint and summons.
- Attend scheduling conference to set discovery and mediation deadlines.
- Complete financial discovery and document exchange.
- Attempt mediation to reach settlement agreement.
- Proceed to trial before Chesapeake Circuit Court judge if no settlement.
Chesapeake Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties, with divorce filing fees starting at approximately $86 at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
| Matter | Court | Typical Costs | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | $86 filing + $12 service | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | $86 filing + discovery costs | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody | Chesapeake J&DR Court | Filing fee + possible GAL | 3-12 months |
| Equitable Distribution | Chesapeake Circuit Court | $86 + business valuation | 12-24 months |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
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). Our firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We serve Chesapeake families with local precision and global advocacy.
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 documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our Richmond location serves Chesapeake clients with experienced family law representation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Chesapeake Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We represent families in Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. Contact a Chesapeake family law lawyer near you for assistance.
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. 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 (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322) 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 Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Chesapeake, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys and our Richmond office location.
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.