Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced 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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division matters filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
In Chesapeake, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 defines divorce grounds, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3 establishes equitable distribution, requiring a fair division of marital property based on 11 factors. Va. Code § 20-124.3 guides child custody decisions based on the child’s best interests. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997, personally amended the equitable distribution statute, bringing deep insight to complex property cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Information about Chesapeake court procedures and forms is available on the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Law 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 Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint with Chesapeake Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee. The complaint is served to your spouse.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Hearings and Trial: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge.
- Final Decree and Post-Divorce Matters: The court issues a final divorce decree. Your attorney helps enforce or modify the order as needed for future changes.
Family Law Outcomes and Costs in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures and costs, with divorce filing fees starting at approximately $86 at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
| 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 witnesses |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 3-9 months | Varies | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Support Establishment | Chesapeake J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Varies | Income verification |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
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 and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unmatched insight into complex property division. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to Chesapeake family law matters.
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
Documented Case Results in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake, Virginia, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces, custody modifications, and support enforcement matters handled in Chesapeake Circuit and J&DR Courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Chesapeake, Virginia
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 Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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.
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.
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 and the child’s relationship with each parent.
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).
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Chesapeake, we handle other matters including Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI Defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.