Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The Commonwealth is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering factors like each parent’s role and the child’s relationships.
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 website). Chesapeake family law cases are heard at the Chesapeake General District Court, located at 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322.
Chesapeake Family Law 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.
- File initial complaint at Chesapeake Circuit Court with required filing fee and supporting documents.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody orders are needed, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial documents and other evidence to identify marital assets.
- Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without trial when possible.
- If settlement fails, prepare for trial before Chesapeake Circuit Court judge for final resolution.
Chesapeake Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific costs and procedures rather than penalties. Virginia requires separation periods before no-fault divorce filing.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs | Corroborating witness for uncontested hearing |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | Forensic accountant fees | 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into complex property division cases.
Our Richmond location serves Chesapeake clients with full family law representation. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all 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 100% favorable outcome rate. Our experience includes successful divorce settlements, child custody arrangements, and equitable distribution resolutions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Local Chesapeake Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier areas.
Family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and Greenbrier area. Accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd).
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
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer.
In Chesapeake, we handle other legal matters including Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer and Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about our legal team and our Richmond office location.
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.