Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system 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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. You need either a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation to file no-fault divorce in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Beach family law matters include divorce, child custody, support, and property division handled at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Legal Resources
For accurate legal information, consult these official government sources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Divorce grounds statute
- Virginia Beach General District Court website – Court procedures and information
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 review your situation, goals, and legal options.
- Collect financial records, asset documentation, and any existing agreements for full disclosure.
- File the divorce complaint with the Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging service.
- Engage in settlement negotiations for property division, support, and custody arrangements.
- Attend required court hearings and obtain the final divorce decree from the judge.
Virginia Beach Family Law Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law follows equitable distribution principles with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault: 6-month/1-year separation; Fault: adultery, cruelty, desertion, felony | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 2-24 months | $86 filing + service + possible GAL |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 6-24 months | Varies with complexity |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Virginia Beach J&DR Court | 3-12 months | GAL: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Virginia Beach J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Court costs only |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 3-12 months | Varies |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Virginia Beach Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving us unique insight into property division cases. We provide full representation for Virginia Beach family law matters with a case-specific approach.
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
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.
Virginia Beach Family Law 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. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ case results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Virginia Beach Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44, Route 58, and Route 13. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Town Center, and Naval Air Station Oceana.
We serve 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
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law.
In Virginia Beach, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.