In Chesapeake, Virginia, family law matters including divorce and spousal support are governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. A Rehabilitative Alimony Lawyer Chesapeake can help you understand your options.
Virginia Family Law: Statutory Framework for Divorce and Support
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 for spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1. A Rehabilitative Alimony Lawyer Chesapeake understands these statutes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving the firm unique insight into this law. Founded in 1997, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For spousal support specifically, Virginia courts apply Va. Code § 20-107.1, which lists 13 factors including the duration of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and each party’s earning capacity. A temporary spousal support lawyer Chesapeake can explain how these factors apply to your case.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-107.1 (Spousal Support Factors) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Chesapeake General District Court — official court website
Insider Procedural Edge: Chesapeake Family Court Process
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody and protective orders. A transitional alimony lawyer Chesapeake knows the local court procedures.
- 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).
- Finalize the divorce with a property settlement agreement or trial.
In Chesapeake, family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, spousal support, and child support under Virginia law.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Duration | Key Factors | Court | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spousal Support | Equitable distribution | Varies | 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Circuit Court | Rehabilitative, transitional, or permanent |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Until age 18 or emancipation | Combined gross income | J&DR Court | Can be modified |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution | One-time | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Circuit Court | Separate property excluded |
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. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other firm can claim. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on all family law cases. 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 in Chesapeake across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is accessible to Chesapeake courts via I-64 and I-464. A Rehabilitative Alimony Lawyer Chesapeake is available to meet with you.
Family law lawyer near Chesapeake, Greenbrier, and Great Bridge.
Serving: Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, Greenbrier.
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: 12-24 months.
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. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
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).
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 and the child’s relationship with each parent.
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).
What is rehabilitative alimony in Virginia?
Rehabilitative spousal support is short-term support designed to help a spouse gain education, training, or work experience to become self-supporting. A Rehabilitative Alimony Lawyer Chesapeake can explain how this applies to your case.
What is the difference between temporary and transitional alimony?
Temporary spousal support (pendente lite) is paid during the divorce proceedings. Transitional alimony helps a spouse transition from married to single life. A temporary spousal support lawyer Chesapeake can help you understand both options.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Statewide family law hub
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer — Related practice area
- Chesapeake DUI Lawyer — Related practice area
- Bryan Block — Former Virginia State Trooper
- 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.