Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation. The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Call (888) 437-7747 for a case-specific approach.
In Chesapeake, divorce and family law matters are handled by the Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily 50/50—based on 11 factors. Child custody determinations follow Va. Code § 20-124.3, focusing on the child’s best interests. Child support is calculated using statewide guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Chesapeake Family Law Process
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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint with Chesapeake Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging service of process on your spouse.
- Discovery and Temporary Orders: Exchange financial information through discovery. File pendente lite motions for temporary support or custody if needed, with hearings typically within 21-60 days.
- Negotiation or Mediation: Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). If successful, draft a property settlement agreement.
- Trial Preparation and Final Hearing: If settlement fails, prepare for trial. Present evidence on equitable distribution, custody, and support. The judge issues a final divorce decree.
Family Law Outcomes and Costs in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing + $12 service | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs | Mediation often ordered |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution (11 factors) | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Business valuation often needed |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | 3-12 months | $86 filing + GAL fees ($500-$2,500+) | Guardian ad Litem may be appointed |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Chesapeake Family Law?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across thousands of cases. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to Chesapeake family law matters.
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 Experience
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 successful divorce settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and equitable property division agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Chesapeake Family Law Lawyer Near You
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area.
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 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 Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area in Chesapeake
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
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.