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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm, founded in 1997, provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Consult with an attorney to evaluate your grounds for divorce and immediate needs.
- File a complaint for divorce with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through a sheriff, process server, or acceptance of service.
- Engage in discovery, which may include financial disclosures and depositions.
- Attempt mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues like property division and custody.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial before a judge if settlement is not reached.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, divorce and family law matters involve specific legal standards and financial obligations, not criminal penalties. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Court Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | Filing: ~$86 + service fees | Single hearing |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney costs | Multiple hearings |
| Complex Asset Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing + experts (forensic accountant) | Extended litigation |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Filing + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | J&DR or Circuit Court |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on prior cases and do not aim for a similar result in your matter.
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 attorney experience and a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 total documented case results in Virginia Beach across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. These results include cases dismissed, charges reduced, and favorable settlements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. Our family law lawyer near Virginia Beach represents clients in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support are usually set within 21-60 days of the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process (~$12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion court costs, and a Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+). Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritance, is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, 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 relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
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 felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal assistance in Virginia Beach, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer services. Learn more about Mr. Sris or visit our Richmond office page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.