Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, with 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court. Our Richmond location serves Chesapeake clients by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The key laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests).
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings extensive experience in Virginia family law matters.
Official Legal Resources
For authoritative information on Virginia family law, consult these government sources:
Chesapeake Family Law 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.
- File a divorce complaint with Chesapeake Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging service of process.
- If temporary support or custody is needed, attend the pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through formal discovery procedures to identify all marital assets and liabilities.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or mediation to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody without trial.
- If settlement fails, prepare for trial by organizing evidence, identifying witnesses, and developing legal arguments for the judge.
- Attend the final hearing or trial, present your case, and obtain the judge’s final decree resolving all divorce matters.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures and potential consequences including equitable distribution of property, child support obligations, and potential spousal support awards based on statutory factors.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Legal Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Simplified Procedure | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year |
| Contested Divorce | Standard Litigation | 9-18 months | $86+ filing + attorney fees | Fault or no-fault grounds |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | $86+ filing + experts | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Support | Guideline Calculation | Varies | Motion filing fees | Virginia guidelines based on income |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division matters. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd).
Family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall, Greenbrier area, Great Bridge, Chesapeake City Park, and Deep Creek.
We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities.
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 and mediation.
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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer | Mr. Sris Attorney 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.