Chesapeake family law matters, including divorce and custody, are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The key statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, was personally amended by Mr. Sris, the founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997). This statute governs how courts divide assets and debts in a divorce. For child custody, Virginia courts apply the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using Virginia’s guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court procedures and forms, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
- Serve the other party with process (sheriff or private process server).
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody (21-60 days).
- Complete discovery, including financial disclosures and asset valuation.
- Attend mediation to attempt settlement before trial.
- Final hearing or trial for entry of final divorce decree.
In Chesapeake, family law cases do not carry criminal penalties, but non-compliance with court orders can result in contempt findings with jail time up to 12 months.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay child support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax refund intercept |
| Violation of protective order | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Mandatory counseling, firearm prohibition |
| Custody interference | Class 6 felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of custody rights |
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 and has achieved 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 landmark achievement that demonstrates deep statutory knowledge. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Chesapeake, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). The Richmond office is accessible via I-64, I-464, and I-664.
Family law lawyer near Chesapeake — serving Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
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. 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) for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: $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 case 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?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and any history of abuse. Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody; Circuit Court handles custody within divorce.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer page. We also serve Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, see our Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
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.