Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, where divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution by Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division matters filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Chesapeake cases are heard at the Chesapeake Circuit Court located at 307 Albemarle Drive.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors outlined in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. The statute considers each spouse’s contributions, the duration of the marriage, and each party’s economic circumstances.
For divorce, Virginia requires either a 6-month separation period (with no minor children and a signed separation agreement) or a 1-year separation period (if minor children are involved) for no-fault grounds. 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.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For accurate, up-to-date information on Virginia family law statutes and court procedures, consult these official government resources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) – Official Virginia statute database
- Chesapeake General District Court website – Court information, forms, and contact details
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 the initial complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on the other party by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, motions, and trial dates.
- Complete the discovery process including financial disclosures, interrogatories, and depositions as ordered.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve issues without trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at a final hearing before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific financial obligations and legal standards rather than traditional penalties, with child support calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault after separation period | Court fees: $86+ | Property division, support orders |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines calculation | Monthly payments based on income | Enforcement through income withholding |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Division of marital assets/debts | Business valuation may be required |
| Spousal Support | 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary or permanent payments | Modification possible with changed circumstances |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
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). The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Chesapeake family law cases. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision” reflects our approach to handling complex family matters with attention to local court procedures.
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters resolved through negotiation, mediation, and trial in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
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), accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd). We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall, Greenbrier area, Great Bridge, Chesapeake City Park, and Deep Creek.
We serve the Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities. Available for 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
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide family law information and resources.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law representation in neighboring Henrico County.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense representation in Chesapeake.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our of counsel attorney.
Richmond Office Information – Details about our Richmond location serving Chesapeake clients.
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.