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 the locality. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division matters filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
In Chesapeake, a no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 defines the grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Va. Code § 20-107.3 establishes the framework for equitable distribution of marital property, considering 11 statutory factors. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody determinations are made under Va. Code § 20-124.3, based on the child’s best interests.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia statute.
- Chesapeake General District Court Website – Court information and procedures.
Chesapeake Family Law Court 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 case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case.
- Filing the initial pleading: File the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the Chesapeake Circuit Court clerk’s office and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Ensure proper service of process on the other party via sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information. Engage in settlement negotiations or mediation if appropriate.
- Court hearings and trial: Attend scheduled hearings for temporary orders, motions, and, if necessary, a final trial before a judge.
- Entry of final order: Obtain and review the final court order (decree of divorce, custody order, etc.) and ensure all terms are clear and enforceable.
Family Law Procedures and Standards
In Chesapeake, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution standard; no-fault divorce is available after a 6-month or 1-year separation period.
| Matter | Legal Standard / Classification | Typical Timeline | Court Costs & Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (separation) | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + potential experienced costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 12-24 months if complex | Filing fees + business valuation costs |
Results may vary. Each case is unique and depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Our Firm’s Experience in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the development of state family law.
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
Case Results in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving Chesapeake and Surrounding Areas
Our Richmond location serves clients at the 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 clients in 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. 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 – Parent hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
- Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related 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.