In Chesapeake, Virginia, divorce and family law matters are governed by 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. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, custody, and spousal support cases at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning 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. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
For the official statute text, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court information, 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 (separation 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.
- Initial Consultation: Meet with your attorney to discuss your case, goals, and timeline. Bring financial documents and any existing agreements.
- File Complaint: Your attorney files a complaint for divorce at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive). Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Service of Process: The other party must be served with the complaint. Sheriff service costs approximately $12; private process server costs $50-$100.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information and negotiate terms. Mediation may be used if needed.
- Final Hearing: An uncontested divorce requires a brief hearing with one corroborating witness. A contested divorce may require trial.
In Chesapeake, Virginia, family law matters carry no criminal penalties but involve significant financial and custody consequences. Equitable distribution divides marital property fairly.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Property division, support | Separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees | Property division, support, custody | Trial may be required |
| Child Custody | Best interests | 3-6 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting time, decision-making | Mediation may be ordered |
| Spousal Support | 13-factor analysis | Varies | Attorney fees | Monthly payments | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
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 documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a significant achievement in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on all Chesapeake family law cases. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience handling complex family law matters across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
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, 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 Location
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 serve the neighborhoods of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Chesapeake? Our firm provides case-specific representation for divorce, custody, and support matters.
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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorces.
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. Additional costs may include forensic accountants for complex estates.
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.
What is spousal support in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Spousal support (alimony) in Chesapeake is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1, which lists 13 factors including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage. Support can be temporary (pendente lite) or permanent. The court may award support to either spouse. Modifications are possible upon a showing of changed circumstances.
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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.