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 (personally amended by Mr. Sris), child custody, and support matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Founded in 1997, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) – Official Virginia family law statutes from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Virginia Beach General District Court – Official court website for Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody orders are needed. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete financial disclosures. Exchange mandatory financial disclosures, including statements of net worth, tax returns, and documentation of all marital assets and debts.
- Participate in settlement negotiations. Attempt to resolve property division, support, and custody through negotiation, mediation, or a settlement conference with the judge.
- Proceed to trial if necessary. If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial where a judge will decide all contested issues based on Virginia law and evidence presented.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties & Procedures
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific procedural requirements and financial obligations, including court fees and potential support payments.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Civil Proceeding | Filing fee: ~$86 + service costs | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Civil Litigation | Filing fee: ~$86 + attorney fees + possible experienced costs | 9-18 months |
| Child Support Arrears | Contempt of Court | Wage garnishment, license suspension, fines | Enforcement action within 30 days of motion |
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. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline: “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
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. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and reduced obligations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local 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 ($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 for Virginia family law.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in nearby Henrico County.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense attorney in Virginia Beach.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about your Virginia Beach family law attorney.
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.