Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. Our firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. We handle divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, and support matters 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 state follows equitable distribution principles for marital property division.
Virginia recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorce grounds. No-fault divorce requires separation: 6 months with a signed property settlement agreement and no minor children, or 1 year with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more (Va. Code § 20-91).
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), which governs how marital property is divided during divorce. The court considers 11 factors to determine a fair, though not necessarily equal, distribution of marital assets and debts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For Chesapeake court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Law 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 initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive). Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) serve the complaint and summons on your spouse.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to value marital assets and determine income.
- Attempt mediation: Attend mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach a settlement on property division, custody, and support.
- Proceed to trial: If mediation fails, present your case at trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge for a final decision.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific financial obligations and legal standards rather than traditional penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property division and statutory guidelines for child support.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or fault grounds | Court fees: $86+ | Separation period required |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (11 factors) | Division of marital assets/debts | Business valuation may be needed |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payments based on formula | Income withholding orders |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Temporary or permanent payments | Tax implications |
| Custody Violation | Contempt of court | Fines, attorney fees | Modified custody arrangement |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our firm brings substantial experience to Chesapeake family law matters. 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 6 documented case results in the locality. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across our practice areas.
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 documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. Our experience includes successful resolution of contested divorces, equitable distribution of complex marital estates, and favorable custody arrangements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Chesapeake Representation
Our Richmond location represents clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities. Our family law lawyer near Chesapeake provides accessible representation for Hampton Roads area residents.
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
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.
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.
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 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. If you need representation in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, see our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience or visit our Richmond office location page.
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.