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, equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, child custody, and support matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Equitable distribution of marital property follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child support uses guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.2. Spousal support considers 13 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) – official Virginia statute.
- Virginia Beach General District Court website – court information and procedures.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support. Virginia requires one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a Complaint for Divorce with Virginia Beach Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The other party is served. They have 21 days to file an Answer. If uncontested, a separation agreement may be drafted.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any necessary pendente lite or final hearings. The court enters a final decree of divorce.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Classifications
In Virginia Beach, divorce is a civil proceeding, but fault grounds like adultery can affect property division and support.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Divorce | 6-month separation (no minor children + agreement) or 1-year separation | Court costs: ~$86 filing fee + service fees | Resolves marriage status only; property and support decided separately |
| Fault Divorce (e.g., Adultery) | No waiting period; must prove fault by clear and convincing evidence | Same court costs; may affect spousal support awards | Fault can be a factor in equitable distribution and spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
| Contempt for Non-Payment | Civil contempt; possible jail until purge | Attorney’s fees awarded to prevailing party | Driver’s license suspension for child support arrears |
Results may vary. Each case is unique. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
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. This direct involvement with the law provides a deep understanding of property division for Virginia Beach clients.
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.
Results may vary. Each case is unique. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We are accessible via I-264 and I-64. As a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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 Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – parent hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – nearby locality.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – related practice area.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
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.