Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The 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
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The key laws include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution, § 20-108.1 for child support guidelines, and § 20-124.2 for custody determinations based on the child’s best interests.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases. His personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
Official Legal Resources
For authoritative information on Virginia family law, consult these government sources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Divorce grounds statute
- Chesapeake General District Court website – Court procedures and information
Chesapeake Family Law 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 a divorce complaint with Chesapeake Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging service of process.
- If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of motion filing.
- Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information through formal discovery procedures.
- Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve property division, support, and custody issues.
- If settlement fails, prepare for trial where a judge will decide all contested issues based on Virginia law.
- Receive the final divorce decree from the court, which becomes effective after any applicable waiting periods.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties, with divorce requiring a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Chesapeake Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing, possible experienced fees | Chesapeake Circuit |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86+ filing, forensic accountant fees | Chesapeake Circuit |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Chesapeake J&DR |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings substantial authority to Chesapeake family law cases. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in family law development. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide.
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include successful divorce settlements, custody arrangements, and property division agreements handled at Chesapeake Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
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 City Hall and the Greenbrier area, 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. 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; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for Virginia family law information.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law representation in nearby Henrico County.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense representation in Chesapeake.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our of counsel attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.