In Chesapeake, Virginia, divorce and family law matters are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. You deserve a lawyer who knows the local courts.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Chesapeake
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors when dividing property. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving him unique insight into its application. Child custody follows the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, while child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For more information, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website and the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations).
What to Expect in Chesapeake Family Court
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody, visitation, and protective orders. Virginia requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- File a complaint for divorce at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Attend mediation (available but not mandatory in Virginia).
- Negotiate a property settlement agreement or proceed to trial.
- Attend the final hearing with a corroborating witness.
In Chesapeake, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution, no-fault divorce after 6-month or 1-year separation, and child support calculated by guidelines.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Key Statute | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee | Va. Code § 20-91 | 6-month separation required (no minor children) |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 + discovery costs | Va. Code § 20-91 | 1-year separation required (with minor children) |
| Child Custody | Best interests | 3-6 months | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | 10 factors considered |
| Child Support | Guidelines | Ongoing | Varies by income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Based on combined gross income |
| Spousal Support | 13 factors | Varies | Varies | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration depends on marriage length |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Chesapeake Family Law Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other family law attorney in Chesapeake can claim. Our motto: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also handles complex family law matters in Chesapeake. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience.
Case Results in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Chesapeake Family Law Services
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd). We serve the neighborhoods of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Chesapeake? Our team is ready to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Chesapeake
How long does a divorce take in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; Guardian ad Litem for custody: $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Total costs vary based on complexity.
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 is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Custody 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 matters.
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.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Chesapeake?
It depends. While you can file pro se, a lawyer ensures your separation agreement is legally sound and that all property, support, and custody issues are properly addressed. Mistakes can delay your divorce or create future legal problems.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.