Chesapeake Family Law Lawyer — What Are Your Legal Options?
In Chesapeake, Virginia family law matters including divorce and custody follow Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law operates under equitable distribution principles. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs how marital property is divided. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. The court considers 11 factors to determine a fair division. Separate property includes assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, and gifts. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement. With minor children, you must wait 1 year. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and Chesapeake General District Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce at Chesapeake Circuit Court, 307 Albemarle Drive.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion if you need temporary support or custody.
- Attend mediation to resolve property and custody issues.
- Submit a property settlement agreement if both parties agree.
- Attend the final hearing with a corroborating witness.
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve financial consequences including property division, spousal support, and child support obligations.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Range | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + $12 service | Chesapeake Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | 9-18 months | $86 + $50-$100 process server | Chesapeake Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | 3-6 months | $500-$2,500+ GAL | Chesapeake J&DR Court |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | $100-$300/hr mediation | Chesapeake Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. This achievement demonstrates deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm has 4,739+ total case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also handles complex family law cases. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has 30+ years of experience.
In Chesapeake, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). Accessible via I-64, I-464, and I-664. We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Family law lawyer near Chesapeake — serving all surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Total costs vary by case complexity.
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. Separate property is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody 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, cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Learn more about our Virginia family law services. Compare with Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. See also Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.