Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, requiring either a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented family law 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 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).
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). This amendment experience provides unique insight into property division cases in Virginia Beach. The firm was founded in 1997 and has represented clients in family law matters for over 28 years.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For accurate legal information, consult these official government sources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Divorce grounds statute
- Virginia Beach General District Court website – Court information and procedures
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B. Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter. Bring relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, any existing agreements.
- Your attorney files the divorce complaint or custody petition at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B). Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process.
- Exchange financial disclosures and other required information. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement fails, prepare for trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Requirements
In Virginia Beach, divorce requires either a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children), with fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + additional motion fees | Discovery, possible trial |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
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). The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
In Virginia Beach, our firm has 8 documented family law case results with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. We provide case-specific approaches to divorce, custody, and property division in Virginia Beach courts.
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 Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented family law case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented results across all practice areas in VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway), Route 58, and Route 13 (Shore Drive).
Virginia Beach family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront/Boardwalk, Town Center, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Aquarium, and Sandbridge.
Serving 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.
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 other legal needs in Virginia Beach, consider:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide family law hub
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Of Counsel 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.