Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Chesapeake divorce cases are 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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests standard), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
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 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
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 with required filing fee.
- Serve the other party with complaint and summons.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary orders if needed.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange.
- Attempt settlement through negotiation or mediation.
- Proceed to trial before a judge if settlement fails.
Virginia Divorce Penalties and Consequences
In Chesapeake, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves significant financial and custodial consequences under Virginia’s equitable distribution system.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair but not equal division of marital assets and debts | Determined at final hearing |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Monthly payments based on income shares | Until child turns 18 or graduates high school |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support payments | Duration varies by marriage length and circumstances |
| Legal Costs | Court discretion | Filing fees: $86+; Attorney fees: case-dependent | Paid throughout case |
Results may vary based on specific case 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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
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. These results include divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters resolved at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Results may vary based on specific case facts and circumstances.
Family Law Lawyer Serving Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. Contact us for a family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall or the Greenbrier area.
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). Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all property division.
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.
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
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, see our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer page.
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.