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 family law case with a case-specific approach.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state where marital property is divided fairly under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key 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 personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, refer to 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. 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 with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the other party through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary orders if needed.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange.
- Attempt settlement through court-ordered mediation.
- Proceed to trial before a judge if settlement fails.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific filing costs and procedural requirements, with equitable distribution of marital property based on 11 statutory factors.
| Proceeding | Court | Filing Fee | Typical Timeline | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Circuit Court | $86 | 2-24 months | Service fees, motion costs |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | Varies | 3-12 months | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Support Modification | Either Court | Varies | 2-6 months | Motion filing fees |
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. With over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our attorneys bring deep knowledge to Virginia Beach family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm unique insight into property division cases.
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. These results include successful divorce settlements, custody agreements, and property division cases in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
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 communities. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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 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).
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 handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance on your Virginia Beach family law matter.