Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce and equitable distribution, are governed by statutes like 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 support cases in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. We handle the details of your case with a case-specific approach.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, by a judge. The primary statute is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which lists 11 factors the court must consider. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Other key laws include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds and § 20-124.3 for child custody.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family laws, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, fees, and procedural information.
Virginia Beach Family Law Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law pleading with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff, private process server, or through their attorney if they accept service.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to try to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge for a final decision.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law outcomes are based on equitable distribution and the best interests of the child, not fixed penalties. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or a 1-year separation.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, division of marital property | 11 statutory factors considered |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Joint or sole legal/physical custody | 10 factors guide the court’s decision |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Monthly payment based on combined income & custody share | Calculated using state formula |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support payments | Duration and amount vary widely |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts.
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
Case Results in Virginia Beach
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Lawyer
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 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.
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.
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.
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
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we handle other matters such as criminal defense and DUI defense. Learn more about our attorneys 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.