Military Divorce Lawyer Near Me

Military families in Chesapeake, Virginia, and across the Hampton Roads region face unique challenges when a marriage ends. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents service members and their spouses in divorce and family law matters throughout Virginia. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experience in military divorce cases—from dividing military pensions under federal law to resolving child custody disputes involving deployment schedules. Whether you are stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, or a nearby installation, we work to protect your interests in Chesapeake Circuit Court and other Virginia courts. To request a consultation, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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Military Divorce Cases in Chesapeake, Virginia

Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily equally—when a marriage dissolves. Military divorce adds layers of complexity because federal statutes, including the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA), govern how military retired pay and benefits are treated. A Virginia court can classify a military pension as marital property and divide it under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the state’s equitable distribution law.

In Chesapeake, a military divorce may be filed in the Chesapeake Circuit Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and property division, or in the Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for custody, visitation, and child support. The firm’s attorneys appear in these courts regularly. Because many military families live in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth, the geographic scope of representation often spans multiple jurisdictions within the Hampton Roads area. Military relocation and deployment schedules can affect custody and parenting-time determinations. Virginia courts apply the trusted-interests-of-the-child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, weighing factors such as each parent’s role in the child’s life and the impact of a parent’s military obligations.

How Our Firm Handles Military Divorce

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys approach each military divorce by addressing the specific statutory and practical issues that arise for service members and their families. The process typically begins with a consultation to evaluate the marital estate, identify military-specific assets—such as the Thrift Savings Plan, Survivor Benefit Plan, and military retired pay—and discuss child-related matters. We then pursue either a negotiated settlement or litigation, depending on the circumstances. When a service member is deployed, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) may allow a stay of proceedings, and we work to ensure that procedural safeguards are respected.

Our firm also handles cases involving the division of military disability benefits, which are not divisible as marital property under federal law but may be considered by a Virginia court as a factor in awarding spousal support under the 13 statutory factors listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1. We coordinate with financial attorneys to value complex assets and prepare qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) for the division of military and civilian retirement accounts. Throughout the matter, we maintain communication with clients, whether they are stationed locally or overseas.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is a former prosecutor. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), the legislation that revised the equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3(g). His background in accounting and information systems informs his handling of complex financial matters in military divorce cases. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute experience drawn from military family law, civil litigation, and criminal defense backgrounds. Every attorney at the firm has over a decade of practice experience. Collectively, the team works to achieve favorable outcomes for clients across Virginia, including those stationed at or near the Chesapeake area. To speak with our team, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a military divorce lawyer near me in Chesapeake?

Yes, if you are a service member or military spouse in Chesapeake, Virginia, you should consider consulting an attorney who understands both state divorce law and federal military statutes that may affect your case. A military divorce involves unique issues, including pension division under the USFSPA, SCRA protections, and jurisdiction questions when a service member is stationed in Virginia but claims another state as home of record. An experienced attorney can help you navigate these overlapping legal systems and protect your rights in the Chesapeake Circuit Court or the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

How is military divorce different from civilian divorce in Virginia?

Military divorce differs because federal law imposes specific requirements for the division of military retired pay, survivor benefits, and the enforcement of support orders, and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act can delay proceedings for deployed service members. In a civilian divorce, state law governs all issues. In a military divorce, Virginia courts must apply federal statutes such as the USFSPA, which allows states to treat disposable retired pay as marital property. Additionally, child support and spousal support awards cannot exceed certain federal percentage limits when taken directly from military pay. The firm’s attorneys have experience addressing these intersecting state and federal rules.

Can my spouse get part of my military pension in a Virginia divorce?

Yes, under the USFSPA, a Virginia court can divide your military disposable retired pay as marital property to the extent it was earned during the marriage. The court applies Virginia’s equitable distribution factors to determine a fair division. Direct payment from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to a former spouse requires that the marriage lasted at least ten years overlapping with ten years of creditable military service, but even without that overlap, the court can order the service member to pay the former spouse’s share directly. A qualified domestic relations order or other appropriate court order is typically required to effectuate the division. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What happens to child custody if I am deployed?

A deployment or temporary duty assignment does not automatically change a custody order, but Virginia law allows parents to file for a modification based on a material change in circumstances. Under Va. Code § 20-124.3, the court always applies the trusted-interests-of-the-child standard. A military parent’s deployment may justify a temporary modification of the parenting schedule, and Virginia law includes provisions that help protect a service member’s custody rights during and after deployment. We help clients negotiate parenting plans that anticipate deployment contingencies, reducing conflict and court appearances. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What should I bring to a consultation with a military divorce lawyer?

You should bring copies of your military orders, Leave and Earnings Statements (LES), recent tax returns, bank and investment account statements, pension and retirement account documents, and any existing parenting plans or custody orders. A list of questions regarding deployment schedules, relocation, and benefits is also helpful. Our team uses this information to provide an initial assessment and outline a strategy tailored to your case. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Where can I find a military divorce lawyer near me in the Hampton Roads area?

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves military families in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, and throughout the Hampton Roads region from our Virginia locations. Our Fairfax and Richmond locations provide convenient access for service members stationed in or near the area. We offer consultations by appointment and can accommodate clients who are deployed. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Visit our other pages for more information on military divorce across Virginia:

Legal Resources

For primary source material on Virginia divorce law, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) at lis.virginia.gov. Information on Virginia courts, including the Chesapeake Circuit Court, is available at vacourts.gov.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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