Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3; 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 in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. We handle the details of your case with a case-specific approach.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under a no-fault system requiring separation periods: 6 months with a signed agreement and no minor children, or 1 year with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction. The cornerstone of property division is Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend. This law requires courts to divide marital property fairly based on 11 factors, not necessarily 50/50. Child support follows the Virginia guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1, and custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia statute from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Virginia Beach General District Court Website – Official court site for procedures, forms, and contact information.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation and legal options.
- Document Gathering: Collect financial records, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements for your attorney’s review.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files the divorce complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court and serves the other party.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Exchange financial information and negotiate a settlement on property, support, and custody matters.
- Court Proceedings: Attend any necessary hearings for temporary orders, mediation, or trial if settlement is not reached.
- Final Decree: The court issues a final divorce decree incorporating all agreements or trial rulings.
Virginia Beach Divorce & Family Law Overview
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve specific procedures and costs, including a Circuit Court filing fee of approximately $86 for a divorce complaint.
| Matter | Classification / Type | Typical Timeline | Court Costs & Fees | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault (Separation) | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + potential experienced costs | May involve discovery and trial |
| Complex Asset Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing fees + business valuator ($2,500+) | Applies Va. Code § 20-107.3 factors |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Varies | Possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Decided by J&DR or Circuit Court |
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. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally helped amend Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving our firm direct insight into the law’s application. We have a documented record of case results in Virginia Beach.
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 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 these matters. These results include favorable resolutions in divorce, custody, and property division cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. Our firm is a Virginia Beach family law lawyer near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center.
We serve clients in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
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 Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for statewide family law information.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in a nearby Virginia locality.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about the primary attorney for this page.
Last verified: February 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.