In Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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. An Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Virginia Beach can help enforce or modify a foreign decree at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Divorce Law and Equitable Distribution
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 (personally amended by Mr. Sris) to determine a fair division. Separate property—assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, or gifts—is excluded from distribution. For no-fault divorce, Virginia requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income, and spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings over 25 years of experience to family law matters.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Virginia Beach General District Court — official court website
Insider Procedural Edge: Virginia Beach Family Law
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. A property settlement agreement (separation agreement) signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File a complaint for divorce at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Submit final decree of divorce for judge’s signature.
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs and attorney fees. The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees | May require trial |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | No-fault or fault | 12-24 months | $86 filing fee + experienced fees | Business valuation or retirement assets involved |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Virginia Beach Family Law Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is a rare and significant achievement that demonstrates deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Case Results in Virginia Beach
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). 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 — serving Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Virginia Beach
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. 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. 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?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs approximately $12, and a private process server costs $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 (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 Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- Henrico County Divorce Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Divorce Lawyer
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Virginia Beach DUI/DWI Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.