Property Settlement Lawyer Chesapeake, VA

When a marriage ends, dividing property is often one of the most difficult aspects of the divorce process. Virginia follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which means marital property is divided fairly — but not necessarily equally. For residents of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier, property settlement matters are heard at the Chesapeake Circuit Court, located at 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since 1997 and represents clients in property settlement negotiations and litigation across Virginia. Whether your marital estate includes a family home, retirement accounts, business interests, or other assets, working with an experienced attorney can help protect your financial interests. To discuss your property settlement matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Property Settlement Means in Chesapeake

Property settlement in a Virginia divorce involves identifying, classifying, valuing, and dividing the assets and debts accumulated during the marriage. Chesapeake is part of the First Judicial District, and family law matters involving equitable distribution are heard at the Chesapeake Circuit Court. The Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective order matters, but the Circuit Court retains exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and the division of marital property under Va. Code § 20-96.

Virginia is not a community property state. Instead, the court classifies property as marital, separate, or hybrid and then distributes the marital estate equitably based on eleven statutory factors set out in Va. Code § 20-107.3. These factors include each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the age and health of each party, and the circumstances that led to the dissolution. For Chesapeake residents with complex marital estates — including business holdings, professional practices, investment portfolios, or real estate holdings — a property settlement agreement negotiated between the parties can resolve asset division without a trial. When parties cannot agree, the Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive makes the determination after considering the statutory factors.

in handling family law matters at the Chesapeake Circuit Court and the Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, we have observed that a property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are often engaged for complex marital estates. The Richmond location of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients throughout the Chesapeake area, including communities along I-64, Route 17, and Battlefield Boulevard.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Property Settlement Cases

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach property settlement matters by first understanding the full scope of the marital estate. This includes identifying all assets and debts, determining whether each item is marital or separate property under Virginia law, and assessing the value of complex holdings such as retirement accounts, stock options, business interests, and real property. Early in the process, the attorneys evaluate whether a negotiated property settlement agreement is feasible or whether contested litigation will be necessary.

When negotiation is appropriate, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to draft a comprehensive separation agreement that addresses all aspects of property division. This agreement, once signed by both parties, can be incorporated into the final divorce decree. If litigation becomes necessary, the matter proceeds at the Chesapeake Circuit Court, where the judge applies the eleven equitable distribution factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to property settlement litigation. Results may vary. The timeline for reaching a property settlement depends on the complexity of the marital estate, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and the court’s calendar.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted to practice 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), which addressed equitable distribution procedures under Va. Code § 20-107.3. His background provides him with a thorough understanding of Virginia family law and the equitable distribution process.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent clients in property settlement matters at the Chesapeake Circuit Court and throughout Virginia. The firm’s Richmond location serves Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, Greenbrier, and surrounding communities. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. For guidance on your property settlement matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Virginia a community property state?

No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers eleven factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Chesapeake Circuit Court, located at 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322, handles all property division matters within a divorce case. Separate property, including assets acquired before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance, is generally excluded from the marital estate and returned to the spouse who owns it.

How does equitable distribution work in Chesapeake?

In Chesapeake, the Circuit Court applies the equitable distribution framework set out in Va. Code § 20-107.3. The process involves three steps: classification of property as marital, separate, or hybrid; valuation of the marital estate; and distribution based on the statutory factors. Marital property includes assets acquired during the marriage by either spouse, regardless of how title is held. The court may consider monetary and non-monetary contributions, the duration of the marriage, and the circumstances surrounding the dissolution when determining a fair division.

What should I do if I am facing property settlement issues in Chesapeake?

If you are facing property division issues in a Chesapeake divorce, begin by gathering documentation of all assets and debts held by you and your spouse. This includes bank statements, retirement account records, real estate deeds, business records, and evidence of separate property. Avoid disposing of or hiding assets, as this can negatively affect your position before the court. Contact an experienced family law attorney who practices at the Chesapeake Circuit Court to discuss your specific situation. To discuss your matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for property settlement in Virginia?

While Virginia law does not require you to hire an attorney for a divorce, property settlement matters can involve significant financial interests. Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 requires classifying and valuing assets, which can be complex when the marital estate includes retirement accounts, business interests, investment properties, or other substantial holdings. Mistakes in a property settlement agreement can have lasting financial consequences. An attorney can help identify all marital assets, assess their value, and work toward a fair resolution. For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?

Custody in Chesapeake is determined based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers ten factors, including each parent’s role in the child’s life, the child’s relationship with each parent, the age and health of the child and parents, and any history of family abuse. The Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody and visitation matters, while the Chesapeake Circuit Court addresses custody within the context of a divorce proceeding. Custody arrangements can also affect property division to the extent that the needs of minor children influence the equitable distribution analysis.

Virginia Family Law Resources

For additional information about Virginia family law and property settlement procedures, the following official resources may be helpful:

• Virginia Code Title 20 — Domestic Relations
• Chesapeake Circuit Court — Official Website
• Virginia Judicial System

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.