Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesapeake, Virginia, where divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution by Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. This statute requires courts to divide marital property fairly based on 11 factors, not necessarily 50/50. Child custody decisions follow Va. Code § 20-124.3’s “best interests of the child” standard with 10 specific factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Chesapeake General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
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.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. The filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a pendente lite motion. The hearing is typically set within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach a property settlement agreement.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a Chesapeake Circuit Court judge for final resolution.
Chesapeake Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific court costs and procedures rather than criminal penalties. Virginia’s equitable distribution system divides marital property fairly based on statutory factors.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Timeline | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Chesapeake Circuit Court | $86 | 2-24 months | Service: $12-$100 |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Chesapeake Circuit Court | Additional costs | 21-60 days for hearing | Motion filing fee |
| Child Custody | Chesapeake J&DR Court | Varies | 3-12 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 unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Chesapeake family law cases. With 6 documented case results in Chesapeake showing a 100% favorable outcome rate, the firm provides case-specific representation focused on achieving client objectives.
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
Chesapeake Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake, Virginia, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces with complex property division, child custody matters, and spousal support cases resolved through negotiation or trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in 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 provide family law lawyer services near Chesapeake City Hall, Greenbrier area, Great Bridge, Chesapeake City Park, and Deep Creek.
We serve the Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier communities. 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. 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
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer.
For other legal needs in Chesapeake, explore our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer services. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.