Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled by the Virginia Beach Circuit Court; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia Beach is governed by the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 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 Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). 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 divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations (J&DR) Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Filing: File the divorce complaint or custody petition at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court or J&DR Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Service of Process: Have the other party served with the legal papers by a sheriff, private process server, or through acceptance of service.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information. Attempt to negotiate a settlement through mediation or direct attorney discussions.
- Court Hearings: Attend any pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and, if necessary, a final trial before a judge to resolve contested issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law operates under equitable distribution principles with no-fault divorce available after a 6-month separation (no minor children) or a 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline / Cost | Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or fault grounds | ~$86 filing fee + service costs | Circuit Court |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (11 factors) | Varies by complexity | Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | J&DR or Circuit Court |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Ongoing monthly obligation | J&DR or Circuit Court |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 statutory factors | Duration varies | Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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 legal experience. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.” Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates deep involvement in Virginia family law.
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 for family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, serving the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities. 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?
Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months. Contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Total cost depends on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Separate property 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 and the child’s relationship with each parent. Standalone custody cases are in J&DR Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we handle related matters such as criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.