Chesapeake divorce cases require understanding Virginia’s equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We handle contested and uncontested divorces at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Virginia family law governs divorce, spousal support, child custody, and property division. The primary statute for divorce grounds is Va. Code § 20-91, which allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed separation agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 — personally amended by Mr. Sris — divides marital property fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Child support follows Virginia guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1 based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code § 20
For the official text of Virginia’s divorce and family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court rules and procedures in Chesapeake, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- 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 or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Present your case at the final hearing with a corroborating witness.
- Receive the final divorce decree from the court.
In Chesapeake, Virginia, family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support guidelines, and spousal support factors under state law.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs | Key Statute | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee | Va. Code § 20-91 | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 + service costs | Va. Code § 20-91 | May require trial |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Varies | GAL $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-124.2 | 10 factors considered |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Ongoing | Based on income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Modifiable upon change |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Based on need/ability | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration depends on marriage length |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 across multiple practice areas. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law firm in Virginia can claim. The firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). The distance from our location to Chesapeake Circuit Court is approximately 90 miles via I-64. We serve the neighborhoods of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Family law lawyer near Chesapeake — we handle divorce, custody, and support cases throughout Hampton Roads.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. 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. 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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
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.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For family law services in nearby areas, see our Henrico County Family Law Lawyer or Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer pages. For other legal services in Chesapeake, see our Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer or Chesapeake DUI Lawyer pages. Learn more about our attorneys on our attorney profile page. Visit our Richmond office location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.