Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Chesapeake divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. You need a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation to file no-fault divorce.
In Chesapeake, family law matters are heard at Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Chesapeake
Virginia family law is defined by statute. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), which Mr. Sris helped amend. Child custody uses the “best interests” standard in Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce) — official Virginia statute.
- Chesapeake General District Court website — court information and forms.
Chesapeake Family Law Court Process
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Consultation and Filing: Meet with your attorney. File a complaint at the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the $86 fee.
- Service and Response: Serve the complaint on your spouse. They have 21 days to file an answer.
- Discovery and Evaluation: Exchange financial documents. Consider mediation or settlement negotiations.
- Pendente Lite Hearing: Attend a hearing for temporary support, custody, and use of the marital home if needed.
- Settlement or Trial: Finalize a settlement agreement. If no agreement, proceed to trial before a judge.
- Final Decree: The court enters a final divorce decree, resolving all matters.
Chesapeake Family Law Outcomes and Standards
In Chesapeake, family law uses equitable distribution, not community property. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Signed separation agreement | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Court decides per Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | $86 filing + trial costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 statutory factors | 12-24 months if complex | Business valuation fees apply |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts.
Firm Credentials in Chesapeake Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was 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. This direct involvement with the law provides a deep understanding of property division for Chesapeake clients.
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 Family Law 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. These results include divorces, custody matters, and property division cases handled in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Chesapeake, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts. We represent clients in 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.
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 Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — state hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer — related practice area.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
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.