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 handle the details of your case from filing through final decree.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. 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, fees, and procedural information.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File the initial divorce or custody complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the legal papers to your spouse.
- If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange financial documents and consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach a settlement.
- If no agreement is reached, prepare for a final hearing before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries court filing fees starting at $86, with total costs varying based on case complexity and the need for experts like Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+).
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | $86 | Process server, agreement drafting |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | 9-18 months | $86+ | Discovery, experienced witnesses, trial |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-Asset | 12-24 months | $86+ | Forensic accountant, business valuator |
| Child Custody Case | Best Interests Standard | 6-12 months | Varies | Guardian ad Litem, psychological eval |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
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, demonstrating deep involvement in state family law.
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 handled locally.
Results may vary. 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, I-64, and Route 44. As a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront, we serve 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. 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, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from court records and statutes. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.