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 this locality. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. Our firm handles divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, bringing 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 authoritative information on Virginia family law, consult these government sources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Virginia divorce statutes
- Chesapeake General District Court website – Court information and procedures
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.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint with Chesapeake Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive). Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody arrangements.
- Final hearing and decree: Attend the final uncontested hearing or proceed to trial if settlement isn’t reached. The judge issues the final divorce decree ending the marriage.
Virginia Divorce Requirements and Costs
In Chesapeake, Virginia divorce requires either a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault grounds; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Legal Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Typical Timeline | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Chesapeake Circuit Court | $86 | 2-4 months (uncontested) | Service of process: $12-$100 |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Chesapeake Circuit Court | Additional court costs | 21-60 days for hearing | Motion filing fees |
| Child Custody (standalone) | Chesapeake J&DR Court | Varies | 3-6 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Mediation | Court-referred or private | N/A | 1-3 sessions | $100-$300/hour per party |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific 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 unique insight into property division cases. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision.” reflects our approach to Chesapeake family law matters.
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 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.
Serving Chesapeake and Surrounding Communities
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). As a family law lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area, we represent clients throughout 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. 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 Services
For more information on our legal services in Chesapeake:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide family law hub page
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving neighboring locality
- Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Chesapeake
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our legal team
- Richmond Office Location – Our serving location for Chesapeake
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.