Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not automatically 50/50.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia Beach is governed by the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific Virginia statutes that apply.
- Document gathering and financial disclosure: Collect all relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, property deeds, and any existing agreements. Full disclosure is required under Virginia law.
- Filing the appropriate pleadings: Your attorney will file the necessary complaint for divorce, custody petition, or support motion with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court or J&DR Court, paying the required filing fees.
- handling discovery and negotiation: Participate in the exchange of information (discovery) and settlement negotiations. Mediation may be used to resolve issues without a trial.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend scheduled hearings for temporary orders, and if necessary, a final trial. The court will issue orders on divorce, property division, custody, and support.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law operates under an equitable distribution standard; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or a 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Classification / Standard | Potential Outcome / Guideline | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or Fault-based | Decree of divorce | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs | Termination of marital status |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, division of marital property | Valuation costs, potential buyouts | Division of assets & debts |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Monthly payment based on combined income & custody | Ongoing financial obligation | Enforcement for non-payment |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 statutory factors | Temporary or permanent award | Ongoing financial obligation | Modification possible |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (10 factors) | Legal & physical custody order | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting schedule, decision-making |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on general Virginia law and are not a aim for for any specific case.
Firm Credentials and Authority
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. 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 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law 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 the 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 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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Mr. Sris Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.