Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation and fault-based reasons like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91. Child custody is determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Support) – Official Virginia statutes.
- Virginia Beach General District Court Website – Court information and procedures.
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 and child support cases.
- 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 or process server.
- Engage in discovery, which may include financial disclosures and depositions.
- Attempt settlement through negotiation or mediation with your attorney.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial before a judge if settlement is not reached.
Divorce Penalties and Costs in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential spousal support, and equitable division of assets and debts based on statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Costs/Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, division based on 11 factors | Varies by asset complexity |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support orders | Court costs for motions |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly payment based on income shares | Guideline calculation |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal & physical custody arrangements | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
Results may vary. The table outlines general legal standards; specific outcomes depend on case facts.
Firm Credentials in Family Law
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating direct impact on state family 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 Family Law 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 for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Services in Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264 and I-64. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center, serving Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion costs, Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Total cost depends on case complexity.
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.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationships. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody; Circuit Court handles custody within divorce.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area in Virginia Beach.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.