Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes in 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), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. The firm was founded in 1997 by the former prosecutor.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Court Process
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 the initial complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the court papers to your spouse or the other parent.
- If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend the scheduled pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through formal discovery requests and depositions.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge.
Chesapeake Family Law Penalties & Procedures
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific court costs and timelines, not criminal penalties. An uncontested divorce with a signed agreement takes 2-4 months, while a contested divorce can take 9-18 months.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Service fees, notary |
| Contested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 | Discovery, experienced witnesses |
| Child Custody (standalone) | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 3-8 months | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Support Establishment | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 2-6 months | ~$86 | Income verification |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court schedules.
Firm Credentials & Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. The firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our Richmond location serves Chesapeake clients with precision and local court knowledge.
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 for family law matters. These results include favorable divorce settlements, custody agreements, and equitable distribution outcomes in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Chesapeake Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, serving Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal services, see our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer pages. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
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.