Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Chesapeake divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or a 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system (Va. Code § 20-107.3), not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm unique insight into this critical statute. Child custody determinations follow the “best interests of the child” standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 specific factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) — official Virginia General Assembly statutes
- Chesapeake General District Court website — court information, forms, and procedures
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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
Steps for Chesapeake Divorce Cases
- Initial consultation: Meet with our attorneys to assess your case, review documents, and develop a strategy.
- Filing the complaint: File divorce complaint with Chesapeake Circuit Court ($86 filing fee) and serve your spouse.
- Discovery phase: Exchange financial disclosures, conduct depositions if needed, and value marital assets.
- Negotiation and mediation: Attempt settlement through direct negotiation or court-ordered mediation.
- Pendente lite hearings: Address temporary support, custody, and use of property during the divorce process.
- Trial or settlement: Either reach a final settlement agreement or proceed to trial before a Circuit Court judge.
Virginia Family Law Standards
In Chesapeake, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing + litigation costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | 3-12 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 12-24 months if complex | Business valuation: $2,500-$10,000+ |
Results may vary based on case specifics, court schedules, and individual circumstances.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Chesapeake family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm unique insight into property division law. Our Richmond location serves Chesapeake clients with 6 documented case results in the area.
Global advocacy. Local precision. Our attorneys understand both the broad legal principles and the specific procedures of Chesapeake courts.
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 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 successful divorce settlements, custody agreements, and property division matters handled at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Serving Chesapeake, Virginia
Our Richmond location represents clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities.
Family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and 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 Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — state hub page
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — nearby locality
- Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer — different practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
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.