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 property division matters filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Chesapeake family law cases are heard at the Chesapeake Circuit Court located 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. When minor children are involved, the separation period extends to one year. Fault-based grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
The equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, was personally amended by Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. This statute governs how marital property is divided during divorce proceedings in Chesapeake and throughout Virginia.
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). Chesapeake court information, forms, and procedures are available through the Chesapeake General District Court website.
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 the Chesapeake Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse.
- Attend the court-ordered scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery and trial.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial documents and answering interrogatories.
- Participate in court-ordered or voluntary mediation to try to reach a settlement.
- If no settlement is reached, prepare for trial with exhibits and witness lists.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific financial obligations and legal standards rather than traditional penalties.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault after 6-month/1-year separation | Court fees: $86+ | Property division, support orders |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payments based on formula | Contempt for non-payment |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of marital assets/debts | Business valuation may be required |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Temporary or permanent payments | Modification possible with changed circumstances |
| Custody Violation | Best interests of child standard | Legal fees for enforcement | Contempt, modified custody orders |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Chesapeake family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm unique insight into property division matters.
Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision.” reflects our approach to Chesapeake family law matters. We combine broad legal knowledge with specific understanding of Chesapeake Circuit Court procedures and judges.
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 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 experience includes successful divorce settlements, custody arrangements, and property division agreements in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Local Chesapeake Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts. We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. As a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, we provide accessible representation for Hampton Roads area residents.
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). Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all property division.
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.
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 about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia family law hub page. If you’re in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law attorney.
For other legal needs in Chesapeake, we also provide Chesapeake criminal defense and Chesapeake DUI defense services.
Learn more about our attorneys’ experience or visit our Richmond office location page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.