Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented family law results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
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. Separate property acquired before marriage, through inheritance, or as gifts remains with the original owner.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia divorce statutes, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). Virginia Beach family law cases are filed at 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. Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File a complaint for divorce with Virginia Beach Circuit Court with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse using sheriff service ($12) or private process server.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days if temporary support or custody is needed.
- Complete financial disclosures and discovery if property division is contested.
- Attend mediation if ordered or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Present your case at final hearing or prove grounds for uncontested divorce.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs, attorney fees, and potential financial obligations like child support and spousal support.
| Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | $86 filing fee + service costs | 2-4 months | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | $86+ filing + attorney fees | 9-18 months | Possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | Business valuation costs + fees | 12-24 months | Forensic accountant may be needed |
| Child Support | Guideline calculation | Based on combined income | Monthly payments | Enforceable by contempt |
Results may vary based on case specifics.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
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 Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented family law case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissed claims, favorable custody arrangements, and equitable property division settlements.
Results may vary based on case specifics.
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 Naval Air Station Oceana.
We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support: typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and 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 under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Separate property is excluded from division.
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. 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: 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 about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer.
In Virginia Beach, we also handle criminal defense cases and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
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.