Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 outlines divorce grounds, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided fairly. Va. Code § 20-124.3 lists factors for determining child custody based on the child’s best interests. Child support is calculated using state guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
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, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Consult with an attorney to evaluate your grounds for divorce and immediate needs like temporary support.
- File the initial complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court and pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse using the sheriff, a private process server, or waiver.
- Exchange financial disclosures and engage in discovery if the divorce is contested.
- Attend mediation or settlement conferences to attempt resolution without trial.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial before a judge if settlement is not reached.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential support obligations, and equitable distribution of assets and debts.
| Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | Court fee: ~$86 + service fees | Begins legal separation process |
| Child Support | Court Order | Monthly payments per VA guidelines | Enforced by income withholding, license suspension |
| Spousal Support | Court Order | Monthly payments based on 13 factors | Modifiable based on changed circumstances |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital assets/debts | Business valuation, retirement account division |
| Custody Violation | Contempt of Court | Fines, make-up parenting time | Possible modification of custody order |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are not guarantees of any specific result in your case.
Firm Credentials in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law. This background in accounting and information systems provides an advantage in complex financial cases involving business valuation or retirement assets.
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 family law matters handled. These results include successful resolutions in contested divorces, child custody agreements, and complex property division cases.
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, 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 are available at (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 to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation or retirement assets can take 12-24 months. A pendente lite hearing for temporary support is usually set within 21-60 days of the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process (~$12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion court costs, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per 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, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. 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. The court considers 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; Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. If you need other legal help in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
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.