Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. 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).
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Virginia Beach family law cases.
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Virginia Beach court information, procedures, and forms, access the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, while 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.
- File initial pleadings at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, mediation, and trial dates.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange, interrogatories, and depositions.
- Participate in court-ordered or voluntary mediation to try to reach a settlement agreement.
- If no settlement is reached, prepare for trial with exhibits, witnesses, and trial briefs.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation with minor children; fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court | Civil/Criminal | Up to 10 days | Up to $250 | Attorney fees, enforcement actions |
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Civil Contempt | Until compliance | Court costs | License suspension, tax intercept |
| Violation of Protective Order | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional protective orders |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Beach Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings unique authority to Virginia Beach family law cases. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving us direct insight into how courts interpret and apply these laws in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
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. Our Virginia Beach family law experience includes successful resolution of contested divorces with complex property division, custody modifications, and child support enforcement matters.
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 (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. As a Virginia Beach family law lawyer near the Oceanfront and Town Center, we represent clients throughout 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?
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). 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.
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 Family Law Resources
For more information about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need family law assistance in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience or visit our Richmond office location page.
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 on your Virginia Beach family law matter.