Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
In Chesapeake, Virginia, divorce follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. You can file for no-fault divorce after a 6-month or 1-year separation.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesapeake
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, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Child custody is decided under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the best interests of the child. Child support follows Virginia guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal References
Review the official Virginia statutes governing family law: Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court procedures and local rules, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Chesapeake Family Law
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorces, 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- File a complaint for divorce at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Attend the final divorce hearing with your corroborating witness.
- Receive the final decree of divorce from the court.
In Chesapeake, Virginia, family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody, child support, and spousal support determinations.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | Circuit Court | $86 | Sheriff service: $12 |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | Circuit Court | $86 | Private process server: $50-$100 |
| Child Custody | Best interests (10 factors) | 21-60 days for temporary hearing | J&DR Court | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | 21-60 days for temporary order | J&DR Court | Varies | Mediation: $100-$300/hour |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Chesapeake Family Law Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law firm in Virginia can claim. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys handle family law matters across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Case Results in Chesapeake, Virginia
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 dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable settlements in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Chesapeake, Virginia
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd). We serve the communities of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Chesapeake? Our firm provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters in Chesapeake Circuit Court and Chesapeake J&DR Court.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Chesapeake
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 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?
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). 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.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.