Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules for family law matters.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
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 initial pleadings at Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office with required filing fee.
- Serve the other party with complaint and summons by sheriff or private process server.
- Attend scheduling conference to establish discovery and motion deadlines.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange and depositions.
- Participate in settlement conferences or mediation to resolve issues.
- Prepare for trial with exhibits and witnesses if settlement fails.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters follow equitable distribution standards with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault after separation period | 2-24 months | $86+ filing fees |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (11 factors) | Varies by complexity | Varies |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | $500-$2,500+ GAL |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Ongoing until emancipation | Court costs |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Duration varies | Court costs |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Virginia Beach Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris’s amendment to Virginia’s equitable distribution law demonstrates deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
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 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 firm-wide results include 4,739+ cases across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We are accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway), Route 58, and Route 13 (Shore Drive). As a Virginia Beach family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront/Boardwalk, Town Center, 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, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Virginia Beach, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.