Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, where divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution by Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court. By appointment only.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesapeake
Family law in Chesapeake is defined by Virginia state statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the best interests factors for child custody determinations. These laws apply in all Chesapeake family law cases heard at the Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the official Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For information about the Chesapeake court handling these matters, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Law Court Process
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action with the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee (approximately $86).
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process. Complex cases may require business valuation or forensic accounting.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Attempt to resolve issues through negotiation or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) before trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, proceed to a bench trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge for a final resolution.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court | Typical Costs | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | Chesapeake Circuit Court | $86 filing + service fees | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | Chesapeake Circuit Court | $86 filing + discovery + possible trial costs | 9-18 months |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Property Division | Chesapeake Circuit Court | $86 filing + valuation experts ($2,500+) | 12-24 months |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Best Interests of Child | Chesapeake J&DR Court | Filing fee + possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Varies |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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 attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing deep insight into property division law. Our approach is case-specific, built on direct legal experience rather than generic advice.
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 family law matters. These results include favorable settlements and court rulings in divorce and custody cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We serve the Chesapeake area and surrounding communities including 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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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). Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322) handles all property division. 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
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal services in Chesapeake, consider our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.