Family Law Lawyer Chesapeake — How Can We Protect Your Family’s Future?
A Family Law Lawyer Chesapeake from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides essential guidance for divorce, custody, and support matters in Chesapeake Circuit Court. Virginia’s equitable distribution law, Va. Code § 20-107.3, governs property division. Our firm, founded in 1997, has documented results in Chesapeake. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your family legal matters.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Family law in Chesapeake, Virginia, involves legal issues like divorce, child custody, spousal support, and property division. These matters are governed by specific Virginia statutes, including Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds and Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property. The Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court addresses custody, visitation, and child support.
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code (law.lis.virginia.gov). For court-specific information, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
- Schedule a consultation with a family law attorney to review your situation and goals.
- File the necessary petition (e.g., for divorce or custody) with the Chesapeake Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
- Participate in discovery, which may include financial disclosures and depositions.
- Attempt mediation or negotiation to reach a settlement agreement on all issues.
- If no agreement is reached, prepare for and attend a final hearing before a judge.
- Obtain the final court order and ensure all terms are properly implemented.
In Chesapeake, family law cases involve equitable property division, potential spousal support based on 13 factors, and child support calculated using state guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (6-month/1-year separation) or Fault grounds | Dissolution of marriage | Court costs, attorney fees, division of assets/debts | Change in marital status, potential name change |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not necessarily equal, split of marital property | Division of real estate, retirement accounts, businesses | Requires full financial disclosure and valuation |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 statutory factors | Temporary or permanent support order | Monthly payments from one spouse to the other | Modifiable based on change in circumstances |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Legal and physical custody arrangement | May affect child support and tax status | Parenting plan outlining visitation schedule |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline calculation | Monthly support order based on income | Ongoing financial obligation | Enforceable by contempt, wage garnishment |
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, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial divorces. Notably, Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm’s “Advocacy Without Borders” approach combines over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We have achieved documented results in Chesapeake family court.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Our firm has a documented record of handling family legal matters in Chesapeake. For example, we have successfully navigated cases involving complex asset division and custody disputes. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, leveraging his unique experience amending Virginia’s equitable distribution law.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment. By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients with family court matters in Chesapeake. We are accessible via I-64 and other major highways. As a family law lawyer near Chesapeake, we serve clients in Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Family Law Lawyer Chesapeake FAQ
How long does a divorce take in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. An uncontested divorce with a signed agreement takes 2-4 months. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. A pendente lite hearing for temporary orders is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity and whether it is contested.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is typically excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases are in J&DR Court; custody within a divorce is in Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment of one year or more.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal services, consider our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Chesapeake DUI lawyer. Visit our Richmond office page for location details.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.