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. The firm handles divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed 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. For divorce, Virginia requires either a 6-month separation period (with no minor children and a signed separation agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault dissolution. Fault grounds include adultery (with no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more (Va. Code § 20-91).
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). The Chesapeake General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
Chesapeake Family 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.
- Consult with an attorney to evaluate your case and determine grounds for divorce.
- File a complaint for divorce with Chesapeake Circuit Court and pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server.
- Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary support and custody within 21-60 days if requested.
- Complete discovery, mediation if ordered, and prepare for final hearing or settlement.
- Attend final uncontested hearing with corroborating witness or proceed to trial if contested.
Family Law Procedures and Costs in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures and costs, with divorce filing fees starting at approximately $86 and timelines ranging from 2-4 months for uncontested cases to 12-24 months for complex property division.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 | Service fees $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 | Discovery, experienced fees |
| Child Custody | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 3-9 months | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ |
| Equitable Distribution | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 12-24 months | $86 | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Virginia Family Law 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 family law matters in Chesapeake and throughout Virginia.
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
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.
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+.
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).
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.
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).
Chesapeake Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. Contact us for a family law lawyer near Chesapeake Circuit Court.
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
Related Legal Services
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, consider our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer services. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.