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 Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). 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 in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property, § 20-124.3 for child custody determinations, and § 20-108.1 for child support guidelines.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This direct involvement with the law provides unique insight into property division cases. The firm was founded in 1997 and brings extensive experience to Chesapeake family law matters.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For authoritative information on Virginia family law statutes, consult these official government resources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Virginia divorce grounds statute
- Chesapeake General District Court website – Official court information and procedures
Chesapeake Family Court Procedures
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 307 Albemarle Drive. 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 the initial divorce complaint with Chesapeake Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging service of process.
- If temporary support or custody is needed, attend the pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial documents and other evidence through formal requests.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation to attempt settlement on contested issues.
- Prepare for trial on any unresolved issues or finalize a settlement agreement.
- Attend the final hearing where the judge enters the divorce decree and related orders.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties, with divorce requiring either a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault grounds.
| Matter | Court | Timeline | Costs | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 filing + additional litigation costs | Court resolution of disputes |
| Child Custody | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 3-12 months | Varies by complexity | Best interests of child standard |
| Equitable Distribution | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 12-24 months if complex | Forensic experts: $2,500+ | 11-factor analysis under § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases.
Our Chesapeake family law practice focuses on providing full representation in divorce, custody, support, and property division matters. We maintain a collaborative approach where every attorney at the firm has well over a decade of practice experience.
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. These results include divorce cases with favorable property division, child custody arrangements that serve the children’s best interests, and support orders that fairly address both parties’ circumstances.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd). As a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, we represent clients throughout 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; 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 Resources
For more information on family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law.
If you need other legal services in Chesapeake, consider our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about our attorneys’ experience and credentials.
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.