Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Child custody uses the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia divorce laws, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Chesapeake court information, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Law Procedure
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. 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 a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive). Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the legal documents to your spouse.
- If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Complex cases may require business valuation or forensic accounting.
- Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or negotiate a property settlement agreement to avoid trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific costs and timelines rather than criminal penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Cost | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + legal fees | Chesapeake Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + higher legal fees | Chesapeake Circuit |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Business valuation/assets | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Chesapeake Circuit |
| Child Custody (standalone) | Best interests determination | Varies | Filing fee + possible GAL ($500-$2,500+) | Chesapeake J&DR |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law provides unique insight for Chesapeake clients. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across thousands of cases.
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 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 family law matters. These results include successful divorce settlements, custody agreements, and property division resolutions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Chesapeake Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area. We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. Available 24/7 for phone consultations at (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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
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). Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322) handles all property division. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Chesapeake, we handle other matters like criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.