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 laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests).
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This firsthand involvement with the law provides unique insight into property division cases in Virginia Beach.
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) – Virginia divorce statutes
- Virginia Beach General District Court website – Court procedures and information
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: 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.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files the appropriate pleading at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B). Filing fee is approximately $86. Service of process follows.
- Discovery and temporary orders: Exchange financial disclosures and other evidence. Request pendente lite hearings for temporary support or custody within 21-60 days if needed.
- Negotiation and settlement attempts: Attempt mediation or settlement conferences to resolve issues without trial. Virginia Beach courts encourage agreements on property division, support, and custody.
- Trial preparation and final hearing: If settlement fails, prepare for trial. Present evidence and arguments before a judge at Virginia Beach Circuit Court for final resolution.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve specific costs and timelines rather than penalties. Uncontested divorce takes 2-4 months, contested divorce 9-18 months, and complex cases with business valuation 12-24 months.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Timeline | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | ~$86 | 2-24 months | Service: $12-$100 |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Additional court costs | 21-60 days for hearing | Varies |
| Child Custody | Virginia Beach J&DR Court | Varies | 3-12 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Mediation | Court-referred or private | N/A | 1-3 sessions | $100-$300/hour per party |
Results may vary based on case specifics, court schedules, and individual circumstances.
Virginia Beach Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Virginia Beach family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division matters.
Our Virginia Beach family law practice focuses on divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division. We understand the local procedures at Virginia Beach Circuit Court and J&DR Court.
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. These results include divorce settlements, custody agreements, and property division resolutions.
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. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway), Route 58, and Route 13 (Shore Drive).
Family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 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 Virginia Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our statewide family law hub page
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in nearby Henrico County
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense attorney in Virginia Beach
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our Of Counsel attorney
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.