In Chesapeake, Virginia divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning 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). No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorces. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
For the official statute governing divorce grounds, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
In Chesapeake Circuit Court, prosecutors routinely request pendente lite hearings within 21-60 days of filing for temporary support and custody. Filing your property settlement agreement early can simplify the process significantly.
- File the Complaint: File a divorce complaint at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive). Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: Serve the complaint via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Negotiate Settlement: Negotiate a property settlement agreement covering property division, spousal support, and custody.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: If needed, attend a temporary support and custody hearing (set within 21-60 days).
- Final Hearing: Attend the final uncontested hearing with a corroborating witness to obtain the final decree.
In Chesapeake, Virginia divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves equitable distribution of marital assets and potential spousal support obligations.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee | Property division | Spousal support possible |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing fee | Property division | Spousal support possible |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | No-fault | 12-24 months | $86+ filing fee | Business valuation | Retirement asset division |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is the single most powerful E-E-A-T differentiator in the Virginia family law market. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, brings over 25 years of experience including his background as a former prosecutor. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and leads complex family law matters requiring advanced strategy.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and I-664. We serve the neighborhoods of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Family law lawyer near Chesapeake — serving all surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. 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).
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).
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.