Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
In Chesapeake, Virginia, divorce and family law matters are governed by statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children before filing.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 establishing divorce grounds, Va. Code § 20-107.3 governing equitable distribution of marital property, Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlining child custody best interests factors, and Va. Code § 20-108.1 providing child support guidelines. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) — Official Virginia General Assembly statutes
- Chesapeake General District Court — Official court website with forms and procedures
Chesapeake Family Court 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 initial pleadings at Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
- Serve the other party through sheriff or private process server
- Attend scheduling conference to establish timelines
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange
- Attempt settlement through mediation
- Proceed to trial before a judge if settlement fails
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties, with Virginia being an equitable distribution state where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
| Matter | Court | Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 | 6-month or 1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 + additional costs | Property settlement agreement or trial |
| Child Custody | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 3-12 months | Varies | Best interests of child analysis |
| Child Support | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Varies | Virginia guidelines calculation |
| Equitable Distribution | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 12-24 months complex | Included in divorce | 11-factor analysis under § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary based on individual case 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 and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters resolved in Chesapeake Circuit Court and Chesapeake 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). We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. Family law lawyer near Chesapeake. 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.
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). 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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Statewide family law hub page
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — Nearby locality representation
- Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer — Different practice area same locality
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — Former Virginia State Trooper
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.