Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3, 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 property division matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by state 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 custody decisions use the “best interests” standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). 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. 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 document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, a pendente lite hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of the motion.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Final hearing or trial: If a settlement is reached, the court approves it at a final hearing. If not, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Matter | Legal Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs | May require pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Property Division | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Business valuation, retirement assets |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Court costs + GAL fees | 10 statutory factors considered |
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 attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is “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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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.
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.
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, visit 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.
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.