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. The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support cases at 307 Albemarle Drive.
Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Chesapeake court information, see the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Court Procedures
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles divorce and property division matters. Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- File a divorce complaint with Chesapeake Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Have the complaint served by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100) within 120 days of filing.
- If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through formal discovery procedures.
- Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- If settlement fails, prepare for trial where the judge will decide all contested issues.
Virginia Divorce Penalties and Requirements
In Chesapeake, divorce carries specific separation requirements and involves court costs including filing fees, service fees, and potential Guardian ad Litem expenses.
| Offense/Grounds | Classification | Waiting Period | Court Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-fault divorce (no minor children) | 6-month separation | 6 months | $86 filing + $12 service | Signed separation agreement |
| No-fault divorce (with minor children) | 1-year separation | 12 months | $86 filing + $12 service | No agreement required |
| Adultery | Fault ground | No waiting period | $86 filing + $12 service | Clear and convincing evidence |
| Cruelty | Fault ground | No waiting period | $86 filing + $12 service | Proof of bodily injury or reasonable apprehension |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific 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), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
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 documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces with favorable property division, child custody arrangements, and support agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Chesapeake
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 City Hall and the Greenbrier area.
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 | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer | 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.