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. The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division for Chesapeake residents.
In Chesapeake, divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, or desertion.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesapeake
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that apply in Chesapeake Circuit Court. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and Va. Code § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into the equitable distribution process.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Official Legal Resources
For the most current information, consult these official government sources:
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.
- File the initial complaint for divorce or other family law action at the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, 307 Albemarle Drive, with the required filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff, private process server, or through acceptance of service.
- Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, motions, and trial.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Consider court-ordered or voluntary mediation to resolve issues.
- If settlement fails, prepare for trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge to decide unresolved issues.
- Obtain the judge’s final decree. If necessary, file motions to enforce the order for support, custody, or property division.
Family Law Procedures & Costs in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures, timelines, and costs set by Virginia statute and local court rules.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee & Key Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing fee + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fee + discovery + possible experienced costs |
| Child Custody (standalone) | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 3-9 months | Filing fee + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Support Establishment | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Filing fee |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials & Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and more than 4,739 firm-wide case results. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing our Chesapeake clients with direct, authoritative insight into property division law.
Our Richmond location serves Chesapeake clients, offering 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
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 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. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving Chesapeake & Surrounding Communities
Our Richmond location represents 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 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.
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 (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
If you need assistance with other legal matters in Chesapeake, consider:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub – Overview of state laws
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a neighboring locality
- Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area, same locality
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our Of Counsel attorney
- Richmond Office Location – Our serving location for Chesapeake
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.