Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or 1-year separation with children under Va. Code § 20-91. Our firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and equitable distribution matters at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The key laws 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).
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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). This direct legislative experience provides unique insight into Virginia family law.
Official Legal Resources
For authoritative information on Virginia family law, consult these government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Complete divorce and family law statutes.
- Chesapeake General District Court website – Local court procedures, forms, and contact information.
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.
- File initial pleadings at Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with required filing fees.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse.
- Attend the scheduling conference where the court sets discovery deadlines and mediation dates.
- Complete discovery and attend court-ordered mediation to attempt settlement before trial.
- If no settlement is reached, present your case at trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge.
Chesapeake Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fees | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 + service fees | 6-month or 1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 + motion fees | Mediation typically required |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies by complexity | Motion fees apply | 10 statutory factors considered |
| Equitable Distribution | Complex property division | 12-24 months | Court costs + experienced fees | Forensic accountants often used |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings substantial authority to Chesapeake family law cases. Founded in 1997, the firm combines over 120 years of legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing direct insight into this complex area of law.
Our Richmond location serves Chesapeake clients with 6 documented case results in the locality. We maintain a 100% favorable outcome rate for these Chesapeake matters, though results vary by case.
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 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 these matters. These results include successful divorce settlements, custody arrangements, and property division agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
As a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, we provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only at our Richmond location.
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 is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody matters.
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
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page for family law information.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Representation in neighboring Henrico County.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Chesapeake.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our Of Counsel attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change – contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.