Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia statute from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Virginia Beach General District Court Website – Official court information from the Virginia Judiciary.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
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.
- Consult with an attorney to understand your rights and options under Virginia law.
- File the appropriate complaint (divorce, custody, support) at the correct court with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party with the legal papers through sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Participate in discovery, which may include financial disclosures, depositions, and subpoenas.
- Attend settlement conferences or mediation to attempt resolution without trial.
- Proceed to hearing or trial if settlement cannot be reached, presenting evidence and witness testimony.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries court filing fees starting at approximately $86, with additional costs for service, motions, and potential Guardian ad Litem appointments for custody matters.
| Matter | Classification | Court | Typical Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Civil Action | Circuit Court | $86 | Service fees ($12-$100), motion costs |
| Child Custody Petition | Domestic Relations | J&DR Court | Varies | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Support Establishment | Domestic Relations | J&DR Court | Varies | Income withholding order processing |
| Protective Order | Domestic Violence | J&DR Court | No fee | Service fees if respondent not present |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on specific case facts and Virginia law.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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. Our firm-wide results total 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center. 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.
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).
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 Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for Virginia family law.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in nearby Henrico County.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense attorney in Virginia Beach.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
- Richmond Office Location – Our Richmond location serving Virginia Beach clients.
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.