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. Our firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesapeake
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
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 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Court Procedures
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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, discuss Virginia divorce laws, and develop a strategy.
- Collect financial records, asset documentation, and any existing agreements. Virginia requires full financial disclosure for equitable distribution.
- File the divorce complaint at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive) with the required filing fee and serve the other party.
- Engage in settlement negotiations for property division, support, and custody. Virginia courts encourage settlement agreements.
- Attend required hearings. For contested matters, prepare for trial where the judge will decide unresolved issues based on Virginia law.
Family Law Outcomes and Costs in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures and costs rather than penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state with no-fault divorce available after a required separation period.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 | 6-month or 1-year separation required |
| Contested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 + additional costs | Equitable distribution of marital property |
| Child Custody | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 3-12 months | Varies | Best interests of child standard |
| Child Support | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Varies | Virginia guidelines based on income |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Our Family Law Experience in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving us unique insight into Virginia family law.
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 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. Our experience includes successful resolution of divorce, custody, and support matters in Chesapeake courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Chesapeake, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
We also serve clients in nearby localities: Henrico County Family Law Lawyer and Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer.
If you need other legal services in Chesapeake, consider our Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer or Chesapeake DUI/DWI Lawyer.
Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.