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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division matters filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesapeake
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists. With minor children, a 1-year separation is required. Fault grounds include adultery (with no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Chesapeake court information, procedures, and forms, visit 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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint for divorce, custody, or support at 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.
- Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, motions, and trial dates.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange, interrogatories, and depositions as needed.
- Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without trial when possible.
- If settlement fails, prepare exhibits, witness lists, and trial briefs for the final hearing before the judge.
Chesapeake Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties, with divorce requiring either a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault grounds.
| Matter | Court | Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 + costs | Discovery completed |
| Child Custody | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 3-9 months | ~$86 | Best interests determination |
| Child Support | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 1-3 months | ~$86 | Income documentation |
| Equitable Distribution | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 12-24 months | ~$86 + costs | Asset valuation completed |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience with specific knowledge of Chesapeake court procedures and judges.
We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ firm-wide case results. For Chesapeake family law matters, we have 6 documented case results with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Chesapeake Family Law Office
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). We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall, Greenbrier area, Great Bridge, Chesapeake City Park, and Deep Creek.
We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For family law assistance in nearby areas, see our Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer pages.
For other legal services in Chesapeake, visit our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer and Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer pages. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.