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. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division for clients in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
In Chesapeake, a 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 the grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Va. Code § 20-107.3 establishes the rules for equitable distribution of marital property, considering 11 statutory factors to divide assets fairly. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the “best interests of the child” standard for custody determinations. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, bringing direct insight into this critical statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current information, consult these official government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Support) – The official Virginia statute from the state legislature.
- Chesapeake General District Court Website – Official court site for forms, fees, and local rules.
Chesapeake Family Court Process
Family law cases in Chesapeake are heard in the Chesapeake Circuit Court for divorce and property matters, and the Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for standalone custody and support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action with the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons formally served on your spouse or the other party by a sheriff, process server, or through acceptance of service.
- Attend scheduling conference: Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, motions, and a potential trial date.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Participate in court-ordered or voluntary mediation to try to reach an agreement.
- Prepare for and attend trial: If no settlement is reached, prepare for a bench trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge to resolve all contested issues.
Family Law Procedures and Potential Outcomes
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures set by Virginia code, with outcomes based on the facts of each case and the application of statutory factors.
| Matter | Governing Law | Typical Timeline | Court Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Va. Code § 20-91 | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Va. Code §§ 20-91, 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Filing fees + discovery/mediation costs |
| Child Custody | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies | Filing fees + possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months if complex | Filing fees + possible business valuation experts |
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. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing clients with representation grounded in direct knowledge of the law’s intent and application.
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
Case Results in Chesapeake
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 favorable settlements and court rulings in divorce and family law cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesapeake courts. We represent clients in Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. We offer 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 a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. A pendente lite hearing for temporary orders is usually set within 21-60 days of a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Service of process costs approximately $12-$100. Additional costs may include a Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Total cost depends on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases are in J&DR Court; custody within a divorce is in Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment of one year or more.
Related Legal Services
If you need assistance with other legal matters, our firm provides full representation:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state-wide hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
- Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Chesapeake.
- Learn more about Mr. Sris – Attorney profile.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws and procedures can change. For the most current guidance on your Chesapeake family law matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.