Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled at Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support. The key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests).
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. The firm was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court information and procedures, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Virginia Beach 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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter, review documents, and develop a strategy.
- File the necessary petition (divorce, custody, support) at Virginia Beach Circuit Court with the required filing fee.
- Exchange financial documents, conduct depositions if needed, and gather evidence to support your position on property division, custody, or support.
- Participate in settlement conferences or mediation to attempt to resolve issues without a trial.
- Prepare for trial, including witness preparation and exhibit organization, and present your case before the judge at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Virginia Beach, family law matters follow equitable distribution principles with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | ~$86 + costs | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | ~$86 | Virginia Beach J&DR Court |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis | 12-24 months complex | ~$86 + costs | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Firm Credentials and Experience
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 and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique experience in property division cases.
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 Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters resolved at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We represent clients throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. Our family law lawyer near Virginia Beach provides accessible representation for local residents.
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). Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
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). Filed at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information on family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer and Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer pages.
Learn more about our attorneys’ experience and visit our Richmond office page for location details.
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.