Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, where divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91. The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support cases at 307 Albemarle Drive.
Virginia requires either a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation when minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery (with no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information and procedures, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Court Procedures
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.
- File initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with Chesapeake Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and other evidence through formal discovery procedures as required by Virginia rules.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in settlement negotiations or mediation to resolve property division, support, and custody issues.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare for trial where a judge will decide all contested issues based on Virginia law.
Chesapeake Family Law Penalties & Procedures
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties, with divorce requiring separation periods and courts dividing property equitably under Virginia law.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Chesapeake Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing + litigation costs | Chesapeake Circuit |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution (11 factors) | 12-24 months | Forensic accounting + valuation | Chesapeake Circuit |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Chesapeake J&DR |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials & Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases in Chesapeake and throughout Virginia.
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include favorable outcomes in family law matters handled through the firm’s Richmond location serving Chesapeake clients.
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), accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We provide family law lawyer services near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area.
We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities. Contact us 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). 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 more information about family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer.
If you need other legal services in Chesapeake, consider our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about attorney Bryan Block who represents clients in the Richmond area for SRIS.
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.