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 (personally amended by Mr. Sris), requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce. Our firm, founded in 1997, offers 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
In Chesapeake, family law matters including divorce, child custody, and property division are handled by the Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define 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 personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep involvement in family law development.
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 Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) — Official Virginia statute text from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Chesapeake General District Court website — Official court information, forms, and procedures from the Virginia court system.
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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Chesapeake Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend scheduling conference: Appear at the court-ordered scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, mediation, and trial.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions as ordered by the court.
- Attempt mediation: Participate in court-ordered or voluntary mediation to try to reach a settlement agreement.
- Prepare for trial: If no settlement is reached, prepare exhibits, witness lists, and legal arguments for the final hearing.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve specific financial and legal consequences rather than criminal penalties, with equitable distribution of marital property and child support calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault after 6-month/1-year separation | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs | Property division, potential spousal support |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payments based on combined income | Contempt for non-payment, license suspension |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division per Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Division of assets/debts acquired during marriage | Business valuation, retirement account division |
| Custody Determination | Best interests of child under § 20-124.3 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting time schedules, decision-making authority |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
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.
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 for family law matters. These results include successful property division settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and negotiated support agreements.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Local Chesapeake Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. As a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, we represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with 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
Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Our state hub page for Virginia family law information.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — Family law representation in nearby Henrico County.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer — Criminal defense representation in Chesapeake.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile — Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
Richmond Office Location — Information about our Richmond location serving Chesapeake clients.
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.