Family Law Lawyer Near Me

When a family law matter affects your life—whether it involves divorce, child custody, spousal support, or property division—you want an attorney who understands the law, the courts, and the practical impact on your family. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has practiced family law across Virginia since 1997. Our attorneys appear in courts throughout the Commonwealth, including the localities that make up the Hampton Roads and Chesapeake region. We handle contested and uncontested proceedings with an emphasis on clear guidance and a well-prepared approach. Mr. Sris, the firm’s Owner and Founder, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to each matter. Results may vary. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Family Law Means in the Chesapeake Region, Virginia

Virginia family law is based on the Code of Virginia, with equitable distribution rules under Va. Code § 20‑107.3, child custody factors under § 20‑124.3, and various grounds for divorce under § 20‑91. In the Chesapeake region—including Chesapeake City, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, and Suffolk—cases are heard in the Circuit Court for divorce and property division, and in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for custody, visitation, and support. Each court handles cases according to local rules and docketing practices. Because Virginia does not recognize “legal separation” as a formal status, separating spouses often use a written separation agreement to address support, property, and parenting arrangements before a divorce is filed. The firm’s attorneys help clients draft and negotiate these agreements.

Virginia is an equitable distribution state. When parties cannot agree on property division, the court determines what is marital property, values it, and distributes it equitably—not necessarily equally—based on factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the circumstances of the separation. Child custody decisions are driven by the child’s best interests, with ten statutory factors that include each parent’s role and any history of family abuse. Spousal support may be awarded on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the need and the factors under Va. Code § 20‑107.1. Our attorneys regularly address these issues in courts throughout Virginia, adapting to the procedural expectations of each jurisdiction.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Family Law Cases

Every family law matter is personal. The firm approaches each case with a focus on thorough preparation and realistic assessment. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, has extensive courtroom experience that informs case strategy from the initial consultation through trial. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, each with more than a decade of practice experience, contribute additional perspective and capacity, allowing the firm to handle complex matters while maintaining close attention to each client’s goals.

From the start, the attorney assigned to your matter will listen to your situation, explain the applicable law, and outline potential paths. In divorce cases, that may involve negotiating a separation agreement, pursuing fault-based grounds if appropriate, or litigating contested issues. In custody matters, the focus is on developing a parenting plan that serves the child’s welfare while protecting the parent-child relationship. For support issues, the firm works to present accurate financial information so that a fair calculation can be reached. Throughout the process, our attorneys communicate directly with you and, when necessary, with the court. Although the timeline of a case depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the issues, the firm’s experience in Virginia’s family courts helps clients move forward with as much clarity as possible.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he has practiced since 1997 and concentrates in complex family law matters, including high-net-worth divorces, business valuations, and international property disputes. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background in accounting and information systems provides a practical advantage in cases involving financial analysis.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced practitioners who appear in Virginia courts alongside Mr. Sris. They include attorneys with backgrounds in prosecution, law enforcement, and child-welfare law. Together, they bring extensive combined legal experience to every case. Results may vary. The firm maintains its primary Virginia location in Fairfax, and also serves clients from locations in Richmond, Ashburn, Arlington, and the Shenandoah Valley. When you call (888) 437-7747, staff will help you schedule a consultation at the location most convenient for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer for a family law matter in Virginia?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but having one is important because Virginia’s family law statutes and court procedures can be challenging to navigate without representation. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, draft proper pleadings, and avoid procedural mistakes that could delay or harm your case. In contested matters, an experienced attorney can develop a strategy, present evidence, and argue on your behalf. For uncontested divorces, a lawyer can prepare the required separation agreement and ensure all paperwork is complete before the court hearing. Even if you decide to handle some aspects yourself, consulting with an attorney early on can help you make informed decisions.

How is child custody decided in Virginia?

Virginia courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, using ten factors listed in Va. Code § 20‑124.3. These include the child’s age, the relationship with each parent, each parent’s role in the child’s life, any history of abuse, and the child’s preference if old enough to articulate a reasonable preference. The court does not prefer one parent over the other based on gender. Custody can be joint (shared) or sole, with arrangements for physical and legal custody. The court may also order a Guardian ad Litem to investigate and report on the child’s welfare. Our attorneys present evidence and work to reach a parenting arrangement that protects the child and the parent-child bond.

How is property divided in a Virginia divorce?

Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court first classifies property as separate (owned before marriage or received as a gift/inheritance) or marital (acquired during the marriage). It then values the marital property and divides it equitably based on factors in Va. Code § 20‑107.3, such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s monetary and non‑monetary contributions, and the circumstances that led to the divorce. Separate property generally remains with the owning spouse. A well-drafted separation agreement can resolve property division outside of court and give the parties more control over the outcome.

What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?

Virginia allows both no‑fault and fault‑based grounds for divorce. No‑fault divorce requires the parties to have lived separate and apart for at least one year, or six months if there are no minor children and the parties have signed a separation agreement (Va. Code § 20‑91(9)). Fault‑based grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and a felony conviction resulting in imprisonment of more than one year. Adultery has no waiting period, but it must be proven by clear and convincing evidence. The choice of ground can affect spousal support and property division, so it is important to discuss the options with an attorney.

How long does a divorce take in Virginia?

The timeframe for a divorce in Virginia depends on the type of divorce, whether it is contested, and the court’s docket. An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement may be finalized within a few months after the required separation period has been met. Contested divorces, especially those involving custody, support, or business valuation, typically take longer—sometimes a year or more—because of discovery, motion practice, and trial scheduling. The court sets hearings based on its calendar. Our attorneys work to move the case forward efficiently while protecting your interests, but every case is different. For an estimate based on your situation, contact us at (888) 437‑7747.

What is the process for filing for divorce in Virginia?

To file for divorce in Virginia, one of the parties must have been a resident and domiciliary of the state for at least six months. A Complaint is filed in the Circuit Court of the city or county where either party resides. Grounds for divorce must be alleged. If the divorce is uncontested, the parties may submit a signed separation agreement and supporting documents, and a hearing can be set once the separation period has passed. A witness (or corroborating evidence) is typically required to testify at the hearing. For contested cases, the process includes filing, service of process, discovery, possible pendente lite motions for temporary support or custody, and eventually trial. Our attorneys guide clients through each step.

Additional resources for family law in Virginia:

Virginia Code Title 20 — Domestic Relations |
Virginia Circuit Courts |
Virginia General District Courts

Other pages you may find useful:
Chesapeake Family Law Attorney |
Divorce Lawyer in Chesapeake, VA |
Child Custody Lawyer in Chesapeake, VA |
Alimony and Spousal Support in Chesapeake

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. © 1997–2026 Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. All rights reserved. Reach our location at (888) 437‑7747 for a consultation.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.