Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault cases; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. We use a case-specific approach to handle the details of your family law situation.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris, providing our firm with direct insight into its application. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation and fault-based reasons like adultery or cruelty.
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 General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and contact details.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The court requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce or custody complaint at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse or the other parent by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend scheduling conference: Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, mediation, and trial.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Attend court-ordered or voluntary mediation to try to reach an agreement.
- Prepare for trial: If no agreement is reached, prepare exhibits, witness lists, and legal arguments for a bench trial before a Circuit Court judge.
- Obtain final order: After trial or settlement, submit a proposed final order for the judge’s signature to legally finalize the divorce or custody arrangement.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, divorce and family law matters follow equitable distribution principles, with no-fault divorce available after a 6-month separation (no minor children) or a 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or Fault-based | Dissolution of marriage | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair division of marital property | Valuation costs, potential asset division |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly support order | Percentage of combined gross income |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Temporary or permanent support | Based on need and ability to pay |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Legal & physical custody arrangement | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our team direct insight into this critical area of family law. Our tagline reflects our approach: Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
Case Results in Virginia Beach
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 these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), 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 — (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. 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information on family law across Virginia, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. If you need other legal services in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our legal team.
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.