Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. This means marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors including each spouse’s contributions, debts, and the marriage duration. Separate property (owned before marriage, inheritance, gifts) typically 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 Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). 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 at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. 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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and legal options. Bring relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, any existing agreements.
- Filing the complaint: Your attorney files the divorce complaint with Virginia Beach Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee. The complaint states grounds for divorce and relief sought (custody, support, property division).
- Service of process and response: The other party is served with the complaint. They have 21 days to file an answer. If they don’t respond, you may seek a default judgment.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information and other evidence. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property division, support, and custody to avoid trial.
- Trial or final hearing: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge, who decides all contested issues based on Virginia law.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs, potential support obligations, and property division under equitable distribution principles.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (uncontested) | Civil proceeding | Not applicable | Court fees: ~$86 filing + service costs | Property division, potential spousal support |
| Divorce (contested) | Civil proceeding | Not applicable | Court fees + attorney fees + experienced costs | Court-ordered property division, custody, support |
| Child support non-payment | Contempt of court | Up to 12 months | Fines + arrears + interest | License suspension, tax intercept, lien |
Results may vary based on case specifics. The information above provides general guidance only.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm direct insight into this critical family law provision. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across our practice areas.
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 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. Our experience includes successful property division negotiations, child custody arrangements, and spousal support determinations in Virginia Beach courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in your case.
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. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana. We serve 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 services.
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). Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all property division. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Services
For more information about Virginia family law, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ 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.