Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented family law results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, custody, and property division in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 statutory factors. Separate property, including assets owned before marriage or received as inheritance, is excluded from division.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia statutes: Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds). Virginia Beach court information: Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support cases. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve issues without trial.
- File a Complaint for Divorce at Virginia Beach Circuit Court with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days if temporary support or custody is needed.
- Complete financial disclosures and discovery if property division is contested.
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court before trial.
- Present your case at final hearing or trial before a judge.
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs, attorney fees, and potential financial obligations like child support and spousal support.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Signed separation agreement | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | No agreement on issues | 9-18 months | $86 filing + litigation costs |
| Complex Property Division | Business valuation required | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law.
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
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 dismissals, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264 and I-64. Family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana. 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: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support: typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and 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. Separate property is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children with 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.
Virginia family law resources: Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. Nearby family law attorneys: Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer. Other legal services in Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer and Virginia Beach DUI lawyer. Attorney profile: Bryan Block, former Virginia State Trooper.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.