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 § 20-107.3 for 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 governed by Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into this critical area of Virginia family law.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For authoritative information on Virginia family law, consult these official government resources:
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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter.
- File the necessary documents at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
- Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information with the other party.
- Attempt to reach agreement through negotiation or mediation before proceeding to trial.
- Attend scheduled court hearings and present evidence if the matter proceeds to trial.
Chesapeake Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures and potential consequences including equitable distribution of marital property, child support obligations based on Virginia guidelines, and potential spousal support awards.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Legal Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + attorney fees | Equitable distribution factors |
| Child Custody | Best interests determination | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 10 statutory factors |
| Child Support | Guideline calculation | Ongoing | Court costs | Virginia support guidelines |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique 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 in Chesapeake. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing our clients with unique insight into property division matters. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision.” reflects our approach to Chesapeake family law cases.
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 resolutions in divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters handled at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Chesapeake Family Law Representation
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. As a Chesapeake family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area, we provide convenient local representation.
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. 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). Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322) handles all property division. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
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.