Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes, including Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce and Va. Code § 20-107.3 for property division. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach, providing full representation for divorce, custody, and support. Our firm, founded in 1997, uses a case-specific approach to handle the details of your family law case.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise. Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
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 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 Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles divorce, property division, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Consult with an attorney to assess your grounds for divorce and immediate needs.
- File a complaint in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court and serve your spouse.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Complete discovery, which may include business valuation for complex assets.
- Attempt mediation or negotiation to reach a settlement agreement.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial if an agreement cannot be reached.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific separation requirements and financial obligations based on Virginia’s equitable distribution and support guidelines.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Divorce | Civil Proceeding | 6-month or 1-year separation | Court costs, attorney fees, potential support | Property division, parenting plan |
| Fault Divorce (e.g., Adultery) | Civil Proceeding | No statutory waiting period | Potentially higher costs, possible impact on support | May affect property division |
| Child Support Non-Payment | Contempt of Court | Enforcement action timeline varies | Wage garnishment, liens, fines | Driver’s license suspension, passport denial |
Results may vary. The information above is based on Virginia statutes and general court procedures.
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include cases dismissed, charges reduced, and favorable settlements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
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, serving the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana areas. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. A pendente lite hearing for temporary support is usually set within 21-60 days of the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, a Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court considers 11 factors. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritance, 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 a 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 nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal assistance in Virginia Beach, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer services. 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.