In Virginia Beach, Virginia, divorce follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. You need an Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Virginia Beach to protect your rights across state lines.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly — not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. For no-fault divorce, Virginia requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and both parties sign a separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case.
For the official statute governing divorce grounds in Virginia, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and filing information, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Circuit Court requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia Beach. Forensic accountants and business valuators are often used for complex marital estates.
- File a complaint for divorce at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Complete financial disclosure and, if needed, mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
- Attend the uncontested hearing with your corroborating witness or proceed to trial.
- Receive your final divorce decree from the Circuit Court judge.
In Virginia Beach, divorce outcomes depend on the type of divorce and the complexity of assets involved. Virginia law provides specific legal standards for property division, support, and custody.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation (no minor children) | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Sheriff service: ~$12 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hour | Virginia Beach J&DR Court |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months (complex) | ~$86 | Business valuation: $2,000-$10,000+ | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in every Virginia divorce. This achievement gives the firm a unique understanding of Virginia family law that few other firms can match. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on all Virginia Beach family law cases. He brings over 25 years of experience, including his work amending Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). The drive from our location to the courthouse is approximately 90 minutes via I-64 East. We serve clients throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
Looking for a dissolution of marriage lawyer Virginia Beach? Need to know how to file for divorce lawyer Virginia Beach? Our team can help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
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How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. 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 is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. 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?
Yes. 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).
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas such as Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach or a DUI lawyer in Virginia Beach, we can help. Learn more about our team on our attorney profile page and visit our Richmond office location page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.