In Chesapeake, Virginia, divorce is governed by equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. A Partner Support Lawyer Chesapeake can help you understand your rights regarding spousal support and property division.
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Chesapeake
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, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. For divorce grounds, Virginia allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (if no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists) or a 1-year separation (if minor children are involved). Fault grounds include adultery, 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 determined based on 13 statutory factors. A domestic partner support lawyer Chesapeake can explain how these statutes apply to your specific situation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, visit the Virginia General Assembly website for Va. Code § 20-107.3. For court procedures and forms, visit the Chesapeake General District Court official website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Chesapeake Family Court
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.
- File a complaint for divorce at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Attend mediation to resolve property and custody issues.
- Finalize the divorce with a property settlement agreement or trial.
In Chesapeake, Virginia, family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support, and spousal support.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Mediation: $100-$300/hour |
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in all Virginia divorces. This rare achievement demonstrates deep knowledge of Virginia family law. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We handle family law matters in Chesapeake with a case-specific approach case-specific to your unique circumstances.
Chesapeake Case Results
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, we have achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Chesapeake Family Law Team
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and I-664. We serve clients in 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 — 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 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?
It depends. 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).
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.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.