Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Chesapeake divorce is governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Chesapeake
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, providing unique insight into property division cases in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia divorce statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Chesapeake family law cases are filed at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
Chesapeake Family Law Court Process
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 307 Albemarle Drive. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Your attorney files the divorce complaint at Chesapeake Circuit Court, 307 Albemarle Drive, with the $86 filing fee and arranges for service of process.
- If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange financial disclosures through discovery. Negotiate a property settlement agreement through mediation or attorney discussions.
- For uncontested cases, attend a brief final hearing. For contested cases, proceed to trial where the judge decides unresolved issues.
Chesapeake Divorce Penalties and Procedures
In Chesapeake, divorce carries specific filing requirements: 6-month separation for no-fault without minor children or 1-year separation with minor children under Va. Code § 20-91.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 | Service fees $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 + motion fees | Mediation $100-$300/hour |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | $86 + experienced fees | Forensic accountant $2,500+ |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has 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 unique insight for Chesapeake property division 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 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 family law matters. These results include successful property division agreements, child custody arrangements, and spousal support determinations in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Serving 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. Available for 24/7 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, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Chesapeake, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys and our Richmond office location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.