Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, where divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution by Va. Code § 20-107.3. 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 children. Our Richmond location serves Chesapeake clients by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support obligations. The Commonwealth is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on multiple factors rather than automatically split 50/50.
Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), Va. Code § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and Va. Code § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For accurate, up-to-date information on Virginia family law, consult these official government resources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Virginia divorce statutes
- Chesapeake General District Court website – Court procedures and forms
Chesapeake Family Court Procedures
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 307 Albemarle Drive. 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 initial pleadings at Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with required filing fee.
- Have the sheriff or private process server deliver legal documents to your spouse.
- Attend the court-ordered scheduling conference to set deadlines.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange and depositions.
- Participate in court-ordered or voluntary mediation to reach settlement.
- Prepare exhibits and witness lists for trial if no settlement is reached.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve significant financial and personal consequences including property division, child support obligations, and potential spousal support payments based on statutory factors.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contested Divorce | Civil proceeding | Court costs: $86+ filing fee, plus attorney fees | Property division, potential spousal support |
| Child Support Non-Payment | Contempt of court | Wage garnishment, tax refund interception | Driver’s license suspension, professional license suspension |
| Violation of Custody Order | Contempt of court | Fines up to $250 per violation | Modified custody arrangement, supervised visitation |
| Protective Order Violation | Class 1 misdemeanor | Fine up to $2,500 | Up to 12 months jail, additional protective orders |
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 brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in Chesapeake. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. This background in accounting and information systems offers advantages in complex financial divorces involving business valuation or retirement assets.
Global advocacy. Local precision. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide.
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 settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and appropriate child support determinations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving Chesapeake and Surrounding Communities
Our Richmond location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225 serves clients at Chesapeake courts. We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. Family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and Chesapeake City Park.
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.
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 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 and the child’s relationship with each parent. Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide family law information
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving neighboring Henrico County
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Chesapeake
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our legal team
Richmond Office Information – Our serving location details
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.