Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution); 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. We handle both uncontested and contested cases with a case-specific approach.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property acquired before marriage, through inheritance, or as a gift remains with the original owner.
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 (Domestic Relations). For court forms and procedures, see the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Serve the complaint: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the complaint to your spouse. File proof of service with the court.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, complete interrogatories, and conduct depositions if needed. Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to resolve issues.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare for trial. Complex cases with business valuation or retirement assets may require experienced witnesses.
- Attend final hearing: Present your case at the final hearing. The judge will issue a final decree addressing all issues: divorce, property division, support, and custody.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties & Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential spousal support, and equitable distribution of marital assets.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | Civil Proceeding | None | ~$86 filing + service fees | None | Property division, possible support orders |
| Divorce (Contested) | Civil Proceeding | None | ~$86 filing + service + motion fees | None | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+), mediation costs, experienced witness fees |
| Child Support Contempt | Civil Contempt | Up to 10 days | Court discretion | Driver’s license suspension possible | Wage garnishment, tax intercept |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and 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 a documented record of favorable outcomes in Virginia Beach family law matters.
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 case results in Virginia Beach across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters we have handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We represent clients throughout 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.
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.
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.
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Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.