Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Chesapeake divorce cases are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce 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 in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesapeake Cases
Virginia family law matters in Chesapeake are governed by specific state statutes that determine procedures and outcomes for divorce, custody, and support cases.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. This means marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers 11 factors including each spouse’s contributions, the duration of the marriage, and the economic circumstances of each party. Separate property acquired before marriage, through inheritance, or as gifts remains with the original owner.
Divorce grounds in Virginia include both no-fault and fault-based options. No-fault divorce requires either a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery (with no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more under Va. Code § 20-91.
Child custody decisions follow Va. Code § 20-124.3, which outlines 10 factors for determining the child’s best interests. These factors include each parent’s role in the child’s life, the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, and any history of family abuse.
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, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Chesapeake court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website maintained by the Virginia Judicial System.
Chesapeake Family Court 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.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive) with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend scheduling conference: Participate in the court’s scheduling conference to establish deadlines for discovery and motions.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, complete interrogatories, and conduct depositions as needed for your case.
- Consider settlement options: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to attempt resolution before trial.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare exhibits, witness lists, and trial briefs for the final hearing.
Family Law Procedures and Requirements
In Chesapeake, family law matters follow specific procedures with defined timelines and costs based on Virginia statutes and local court rules.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fees | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 + service fees | Mediation optional |
| Contested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 + service fees | Discovery costs, experienced fees |
| Child Custody | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 3-9 months | $86 | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Support | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 1-3 months | $86 | Income verification costs |
| Equitable Distribution | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 12-24 months | $86 + service fees | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of your case, court scheduling, and other factors.
Our Family Law Experience in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Chesapeake family law cases. We have 6 documented case results in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
Mr. Sris’s amendment to Virginia’s equitable distribution law demonstrates our deep understanding of family law at the statutory level. This experience directly benefits Chesapeake clients facing complex property division issues involving businesses, retirement accounts, or substantial assets.
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 Chesapeake family law experience includes successful resolution of divorce, child custody, support, and equitable distribution matters.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of your case. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Chesapeake Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd). As a Chesapeake family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area, 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.
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 Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need family law assistance in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, see our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer pages. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.