Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and support matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. We offer a case-specific approach based on your family’s needs.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris, lists 11 factors the court must consider. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months without minor children or 1 year with children) and fault-based grounds like adultery under Va. Code § 20-91.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File initial pleadings with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office.
- Serve the other party through the sheriff or a private process server.
- Attend the scheduling conference where the court sets discovery deadlines.
- Complete discovery and attempt mediation to resolve issues.
- Present your case at trial if no agreement is reached.
Virginia Beach Family Law Procedures
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific procedural requirements including mandatory separation periods and court filing fees starting at approximately $86.
| Matter | Court | Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 + service | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 + service | Discovery & possible trial |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | Varies | ~$86 | Best interests analysis |
| Equitable Distribution | Circuit Court | 12-24 months | ~$86 + valuation costs | 11 statutory factors |
Results may vary based on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our Virginia Beach family law practice direct insight into this critical law.
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
Virginia Beach Case Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters.
Results may vary based on case specifics.
Local Virginia Beach Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-264 and I-64. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana.
We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
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 or retirement assets: 12-24 months; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody in Virginia Beach is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse.
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).
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – State hub page
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.