Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Virginia family law is governed by statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support), and § 20-124.2 (custody). The law requires a separation period before filing for no-fault divorce and uses specific factors to divide marital property and determine support.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official resources: Virginia Code (law.lis.virginia.gov) and Chesapeake General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File the initial complaint at Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on the other party by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing if temporary orders for support or custody are needed.
- Complete discovery, including exchanging financial documents and conducting depositions.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation.
- Proceed to a final hearing before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge if settlement fails.
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve court costs and attorney fees rather than criminal penalties; equitable distribution divides marital property fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Court Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | 3-12 months | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property | 12-24 months if complex | Filing fees + valuation experts |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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 and 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division law. Our tagline: “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
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. 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). 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.
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).
Related pages: Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block
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.