Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach, providing full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters. Our Richmond location serves clients throughout the Virginia Beach area by appointment.
Virginia is not a community property state; marital assets are divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. 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. in 1997, personally amended § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into the equitable distribution process.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a motion. A hearing is typically set within 21-60 days at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Complex cases may require business valuation or forensic accounting.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Negotiate a property settlement agreement. Mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) is available but not mandatory in Virginia.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge for a final decree.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not criminal penalties. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or fault grounds | ~$86 + service fees | Separation period required for no-fault |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (11 factors) | Varies | Business valuation may be needed |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | N/A | Calculated from combined gross income |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | N/A | Duration and amount are discretionary |
| Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | J&DR Court for standalone cases |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.” Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 provides unique authority in Virginia equitable distribution 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
Case Results in Virginia Beach
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in divorce and custody cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center. We serve the 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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
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. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
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 across Virginia, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal services in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI Lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.