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Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce, custody, and property division, are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm, founded in 1997, provides full representation for Virginia Beach residents facing family legal issues. 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, not necessarily 50/50, 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.
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, fees, and procedural information.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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 evaluate your case and goals.
- File the initial complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
- Participate in discovery to exchange financial information and evidence.
- Attend mediation or settlement conferences if ordered by the court.
- Proceed to a pendente lite hearing for temporary orders if needed.
- Finalize the case through settlement agreement or trial.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential spousal support, and equitable distribution of assets and debts.
| Issue | Classification | Potential Outcome | Costs/Fees | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | Dissolution of Marriage | Filing fee: ~$86 + service fees | Division of assets/debts |
| Child Support | Guideline Calculation | Monthly payment order | Court costs | Income withholding, license suspension for non-payment |
| Spousal Support | Court Discretion (13 factors) | Temporary or permanent payment order | Court costs | Tax implications, modifiable based on change in circumstances |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair Division (11 factors) | Division of marital property & debts | Possible valuation experienced fees | Retirement account division orders (QDRO) |
| Custody/Visitation | Best Interests of Child (10 factors) | Parenting plan, decision-making authority | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Relocation restrictions, detailed schedule |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are not guarantees.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Family Law
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, providing a deep, practical understanding of property division law used in Virginia Beach courts.
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 family law matters. These results include favorable settlements and court rulings on custody, support, and property division.
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), accessible via I-264 and I-64. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. We serve the Virginia Beach area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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 Virginia Beach Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process (~$12), private process server fees ($50-$100), pendente lite motion costs, 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 based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division.
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 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal assistance in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris or our Richmond office.
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.