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. The 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 is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests standard), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
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 (Domestic Relations). For court forms and procedures, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Court Process
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 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 your spouse or the other parent by sheriff, private process server, or certified mail.
- Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, mediation, and trial.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial documents and other evidence. Attend court-ordered mediation if required.
- Prepare exhibits, witness lists, and legal arguments for the final hearing before the judge.
Chesapeake Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve court costs, not criminal penalties. A divorce complaint filing fee is approximately $86, with additional costs for service of process, motions, and possible Guardian ad Litem fees for custody cases.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Primary Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Filing fee ($86) + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fee + discovery costs + possible experienced fees |
| Child Custody | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 3-12 months | Filing fee + possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Support | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Filing fee |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court schedules.
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 attorney experience to family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law.
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 for family law matters handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Chesapeake Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts. We are accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. As a Chesapeake family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and Greenbrier, we serve 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 Services
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Divorce Lawyer | Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Mr. Sris Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.