Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, with 6 documented case results in this locality. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Our firm, founded in 1997, offers full representation for divorce, child custody, and support matters in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property, § 20-108.1 for child support guidelines, and § 20-124.2 for custody determinations based on the child’s best interests.
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 General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). The Chesapeake General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
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 a complaint for divorce or other family law action with the Chesapeake Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons through sheriff service or private process server.
- Attend any required pendente lite hearings for temporary support and custody arrangements.
- Complete financial disclosures and participate in discovery, which may include business valuations.
- Attempt mediation or settlement conferences to resolve contested issues.
- Proceed to trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge if settlement is not reached.
Virginia Family Law Penalties and Requirements
In Chesapeake, divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | $86 filing fee + service costs | 6-month or 1-year separation requirement |
| Child Support Non-Payment | Contempt of Court | Wage garnishment, license suspension | Possible jail time for willful violation |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital assets/debts | 11 statutory factors considered |
| Custody Violation | Contempt of Court | Fines, make-up parenting time | Possible modification of custody order |
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, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for Chesapeake family law matters.
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. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving Chesapeake and Surrounding Communities
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts, 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.
Richmond Location — 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: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support are typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and 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. Separate property is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests 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 cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children with 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
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. If you need other legal services in Chesapeake, consider our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
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.