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. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods of 6 months (no minor children with agreement) or 1 year. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property, considering 11 factors for a fair division. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the best interests factors for child custody determinations.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia statute from the General Assembly.
- Chesapeake General District Court Website – Official .gov site for court information, forms, and procedures.
Chesapeake Family Law Process
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 divorce complaint with the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at 307 Albemarle Drive. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100). File proof of service.
- If needed, file a pendente lite motion for temporary support or custody. The hearing is typically set within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery, exchanging financial documents through interrogatories and requests for production.
- Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or settlement conferences to resolve issues.
- If settlement fails, proceed to trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge for a final decree.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month or 1-year separation | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution applies | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Chesapeake J&DR Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Chesapeake J&DR Court | Established at hearing |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. Our Richmond location serves Chesapeake clients with full representation.
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
Case Results in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorce, custody, and support matters resolved in Chesapeake courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, serving Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. Available 24/7 for 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for Virginia family law.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in nearby Henrico County.
- Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense attorney in Chesapeake.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.