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 (grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, and desertion.
Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters, while Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support cases.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesapeake
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors outlined in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Other key statutes include Va. Code § 20-124.3 for child custody (best interests of the child) and § 20-108.1 for child support guidelines. Spousal support is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
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 (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 and property division. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles custody, visitation, and child support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on the other party by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- If temporary orders are needed for support or custody, attend the pendente lite hearing scheduled by the court.
- Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to gather evidence for trial.
- Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to resolve issues without a full trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge for final determination.
Divorce Penalties and Costs in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs, potential spousal support, and equitable distribution of marital assets and debts.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | Filing fee: ~$86 | Asset division, potential support orders |
| Contempt of Court | Civil/Criminal | Fines, attorney fees | Possible jail time for non-compliance |
| Child Support Arrears | Enforcement Action | Wage garnishment, tax intercept | License suspension, passport denial |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are not guarantees of any specific result in your case.
Firm Credentials
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 matters in Chesapeake. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. The firm’s approach combines global advocacy with local precision for Chesapeake clients.
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 for family law matters. These results include successful equitable distribution settlements, favorable custody determinations, and negotiated spousal support agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Family Law Lawyer Near Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier, accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168.
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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile | Richmond Office Location
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.