Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris), not community property. 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 filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors).
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This direct involvement with the law provides unique insight into property division cases. The firm was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Chesapeake family law matters.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For accurate, up-to-date information on Virginia family law, consult these official government resources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Virginia divorce statutes
- Chesapeake General District Court website – Court procedures and information
Chesapeake Family Law 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.
- File initial pleadings at Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with required filing fees.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse.
- Attend the court-ordered scheduling conference to establish timelines.
- Complete the discovery process including financial document exchange.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or mediation.
- Present your case at trial if settlement fails.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault divorce.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Chesapeake Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing + attorney fees | Chesapeake Circuit |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86+ filing + experienced fees | Chesapeake Circuit |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | 3-12 months | Varies by complexity | Chesapeake J&DR |
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 has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases.
Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision.” reflects our approach to Chesapeake family law matters. We combine extensive legal knowledge with specific understanding of Chesapeake Circuit Court procedures and judges.
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 divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters handled at Chesapeake Circuit Court and Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local 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 areas. Our Chesapeake family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area provides convenient access for local residents.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only at our Richmond location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225.
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). 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
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page for family law information.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Representation in neighboring Henrico County.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense representation in Chesapeake.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our of counsel attorney.
Richmond Office Location – Information about our Richmond location.
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 legal guidance specific to your Chesapeake family law matter.