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 or 1-year separation for no-fault grounds. 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.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases filed in the city.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. For divorce, Virginia requires either a 6-month separation period (with no minor children and a signed separation agreement) or a 1-year separation period (if minor children are involved). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s 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.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. The Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File initial pleadings at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on the other party by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Participate in the court’s scheduling conference to establish deadlines for discovery, motions, and trial.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange and depositions.
- Attempt settlement through mediation or negotiations.
- Prepare for trial with exhibits and witness lists if settlement fails.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Requirements
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific separation requirements and involves equitable distribution of marital property rather than community property division.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fees | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-fault Divorce (no minor children) | Civil Action | 6-month separation + signed agreement | ~$86 + service fees | One corroborating witness required |
| No-fault Divorce (with minor children) | Civil Action | 1-year separation | ~$86 + service fees | Custody determination required |
| Fault Divorce (adultery) | Civil Action | No waiting period | ~$86 + service fees | Clear and convincing evidence standard |
| Child Support Establishment | Civil Action | Varies by case complexity | ~$86 + possible GAL fees | Virginia guidelines calculation |
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 brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Virginia Beach family law cases. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ firm-wide case results.
Mr. Sris’s amendment to Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law. This background in accounting and information systems provides unique advantages in complex financial divorce cases involving business valuation, retirement assets, and stock options.
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. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
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, 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).
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.
Related Virginia Legal Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
If you need family law assistance in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer.
For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about our attorneys’ experience with Virginia family law cases.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.