Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
In Chesapeake, family law matters are handled at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive) for divorce and equitable distribution, and Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support cases.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For accurate legal information, consult these official government resources:
Chesapeake Family Court Procedures
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 307 Albemarle Drive. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- Schedule consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation and gather necessary documents.
- File divorce complaint at Chesapeake Circuit Court with $86 filing fee and serve spouse through sheriff or process server.
- Attend pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days if temporary support or custody orders are needed.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve issues without trial.
- If no settlement, prepare for trial where judge decides divorce, property division, custody, and support.
- Finalize divorce decree and ensure all court orders are properly recorded and implemented.
Virginia Family Law Standards
In Chesapeake, family law follows Virginia’s equitable distribution system where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after 6-month/1-year separation; fault grounds available | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-24 months (contested) | $86 filing fee + service costs + possible Guardian ad Litem |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Varies with complexity | Possible business valuation experts |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Standalone or within divorce | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Established at filing or hearing | Court costs for modification |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Our Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, we bring substantial experience to Chesapeake family law matters. Our unique advantage includes Mr. Sris personally amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving us deep insight into property division cases.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include successful divorce settlements, custody arrangements, and property division agreements handled at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Family Law Lawyer Near Chesapeake
Our Richmond Location serves clients at 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 communities.
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
For other legal needs in Chesapeake:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – State hub page
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
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.