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 at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by state statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with a signed agreement and no minor children, or a 1-year separation otherwise. The court divides marital property fairly under Va. Code § 20-107.3, considering 11 factors. Child custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows state guidelines based on combined income.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court forms and procedures, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody and support matters. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a pendente lite motion; hearings are typically set within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery, exchanging financial documents and other evidence. Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
- If settlement is not reached, prepare for a final hearing before a judge at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve specific legal standards: equitable distribution of property, child support based on state guidelines, and custody determined by the child’s best interests.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after 6-month/1-year separation; fault grounds available | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-18 months (contested) |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 12-24 months for complex cases |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Virginia Beach J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Virginia Beach J&DR Court | Established at initial hearing |
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 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
Virginia Beach 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at 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 Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 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.
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 Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.