Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
In Chesapeake, Virginia, divorce and family law matters are governed by statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We handle cases at Chesapeake Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Va. Code § 20-124.3 sets the best interests standard for child custody. These laws apply in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Family Law Process
Family law cases in Chesapeake follow a defined path through the court system. The Chesapeake Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action with the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a motion. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to resolve issues.
- Prepare for trial or settlement: If mediation fails, prepare for trial. For uncontested cases, draft a property settlement agreement for court approval.
- Attend the final hearing: Present your case or settlement agreement to the judge at Chesapeake Circuit Court for a final decree.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Chesapeake, family law involves specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, dividing marital property fairly based on 11 statutory factors. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 9-18 months | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Chesapeake J&DR Court | Varies | 10 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital property division | Chesapeake Circuit Court | 12-24 months if complex | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline reflects our approach: Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
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 matters resolved through dismissal, settlement, or favorable judgment.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts, including the Chesapeake General District Court at 307 Albemarle Drive. We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, serving the Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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 Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with other matters, see our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer page. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.