Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, where divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution by Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with children. Our Richmond location serves clients throughout the Chesapeake area.
In Chesapeake, family law matters including divorce, child custody, and property division are handled by the Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are established under Va. Code § 20-91. The division of marital property, known as equitable distribution, is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests as outlined in Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using the statewide guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). For information about the Chesapeake court handling these cases, see the Chesapeake Circuit Court website.
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.
- Schedule a consultation with an attorney to review your case and separation timeline.
- File a complaint for divorce with the Chesapeake Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Have the complaint served on the other party by the sheriff or a private process server.
- Exchange financial disclosures and, if needed, engage in mediation or settlement negotiations.
- Attend any necessary hearings for temporary orders (pendente lite) or custody evaluations.
- Finalize the divorce by submitting a proposed final decree to the judge for signature.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Chesapeake, family law involves equitable distribution of property, not penalties, with outcomes based on statutory factors like marriage duration and financial contributions.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after 6-month/1-year separation; Fault grounds available | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-18 months (contested) |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 12-24 months for complex assets |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Chesapeake J&DR Court (standalone) | Varies |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on combined income (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Chesapeake J&DR Court | Established at initial 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’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep involvement with the law provides a distinct advantage in complex property division cases.
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 for these matters. These results include favorable resolutions in family law cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesapeake courts. We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, serving the Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases involving business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period before filing for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
The Chesapeake Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service ($12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers factors like each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal help in Chesapeake, consider our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Chesapeake DUI lawyer. Learn more about your attorney on the Bryan Block profile page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your Chesapeake family law matter.