Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, with 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. 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 key laws include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution, § 20-108.1 for child support guidelines, and § 20-124.2 for custody determinations.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Chesapeake family law cases.
Official Legal Resources
For authoritative information on Virginia family law, consult these government resources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) – Official Virginia 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 with $86 filing fee
- Serve the other party through sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100)
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary orders within 21-60 days if needed
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange
- Attempt settlement or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party)
- Proceed to trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge if necessary
Family Law Penalties and Costs in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties, with divorce filing fees starting at $86 and additional costs for service, motions, and professional services.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Chesapeake Circuit Court | $86 | Service: $12-$100 | 2-24 months |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Chesapeake Circuit Court | Additional costs | Varies | 21-60 days for hearing |
| Guardian ad Litem | Chesapeake J&DR Court | N/A | $500-$2,500+ | Case-dependent |
| Mediation | Either Court | N/A | $100-$300/hour per party | Varies |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Chesapeake Family Law
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Chesapeake family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm unique insight into property division matters. Our global advocacy with local precision approach ensures Chesapeake clients receive knowledgeable representation.
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. Our experience includes successful divorce settlements, custody arrangements, and property division matters in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Serving Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd). We are a family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall, Greenbrier area, Great Bridge, Chesapeake City Park, and Deep Creek.
We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities. Contact us for 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). 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Chesapeake, we handle other legal matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense.
Learn more about our attorneys or visit our Richmond office page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.