Family Law Lawyer Chesapeake — What Are Your Options for Divorce and Custody?
A family law lawyer Chesapeake from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you with divorce, custody, and support matters in Chesapeake Circuit Court. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, where marital property is divided fairly. Our firm has handled family legal matters in Chesapeake and can provide guidance on your specific situation. Contact us for a case review.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Family Law Statutes and Definitions
Family law in Chesapeake, Virginia, is governed by state statutes. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of property, and Va. Code § 20-124.3 for determining child custody based on the child’s best interests. These laws apply in Chesapeake Circuit Court and Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, has experience with these statutes. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally played a role in amending the equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code online. Information about the Chesapeake General District Court is available from the Virginia court system website.
Local Family Court Procedures in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, divorce and property division cases are filed in Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive. Standalone custody, visitation, and child support cases start in the Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve issues without a trial.
- Consult with a family law lawyer Chesapeake to review your case goals and options.
- File the appropriate petition (for divorce, custody, or support) with the correct Chesapeake court.
- Participate in any required disclosures, discovery, or mediation sessions.
- Attend court hearings for temporary orders or to finalize agreements.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Chesapeake, family law outcomes depend on the specifics of your case, such as child custody arrangements, spousal support calculations, and the equitable division of marital assets and debts.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Potential Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or Fault-based | Dissolution of marriage, effective date set by court |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, but not necessarily equal, division of marital property |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal and physical custody orders defining parental rights |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculations | Monthly support obligation based on parental income |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support award, amount and duration vary |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Chesapeake Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have combined experience handling family legal matters. For family law cases in Virginia, our primary attorney is Samantha Powers, who focuses on these matters. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally contributed to amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our team direct insight into this critical area of law.
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
Case Results
In Chesapeake, our firm has a record of 6 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Chesapeake Family Law Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients with family court matters in Chesapeake. We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. For a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, contact us for 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. An uncontested divorce with a signed agreement may take 2-4 months. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business assets can take 12-24 months. A hearing for temporary orders is typically set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include fees for serving papers ($12-$100), motions, and potentially a Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) or mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Total costs vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is usually not divided.
How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers factors like each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, and each parent’s ability to care for the child. Standalone custody cases are in J&DR Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment of one year or more.
Related Legal Help
If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesapeake, we can help. For other family law matters in Virginia, see our Virginia family law hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.