Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes, including Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds and Va. Code § 20-107.3 for 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 support matters. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris, lists 11 factors the court must consider. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation 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 Legal Resources
For the full 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 contact details.
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.
- Consult with an attorney to review your situation and goals.
- File the initial complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through a sheriff or process server.
- Attend any required hearings for temporary orders or mediation.
- Exchange financial disclosures and participate in discovery if contested.
- Finalize the divorce through settlement or trial.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential support obligations, and equitable distribution of assets.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + motion costs | May involve discovery, hearings, trial |
| Complex Asset Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing fees + experienced fees | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
| Child Support | Guideline-Based | Established at hearing | Motion filing fees | Based on combined gross income & custody |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include matters resolved through dismissal, settlement, or favorable judgment.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at the 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 Town Center. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. Available 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process (~$12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion costs, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per 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, under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court considers 11 factors, including each spouse’s contributions and the marriage’s duration. Separate property acquired before marriage or by gift/inheritance is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 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; Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. These are filed at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal assistance in Virginia Beach, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer services. Learn more about Mr. Sris or our Richmond office location.
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.