Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
In Virginia Beach, family law cases are filed at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway.
Virginia Family Law Statutes and Definitions
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors listed in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended this statute. Grounds for divorce are defined in Va. Code § 20-91, including both fault and no-fault options. Child custody determinations follow the “best interests of the child” standard outlined in Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit 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). For court forms, procedures, and contact information, refer to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court official website.
Virginia Beach Family Law Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation and Strategy: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation, review documents, and develop a case strategy. We analyze grounds for divorce, asset lists, and custody concerns.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a Complaint for Divorce with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee. The complaint states the grounds and relief sought.
- Service of Process and Response: The sheriff or a process server delivers the complaint to your spouse. They have 21 days to file an Answer. If uncontested, a separation agreement is drafted and signed.
- Discovery and Negotiation: In contested cases, both sides exchange financial documents and other evidence. Negotiations or mediation occur to settle property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders if needed. For contested cases, a trial is held before a judge. Once resolved, the judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce.
Penalties, Costs, and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve court costs, not criminal penalties. A divorce filing fee is approximately $86, with additional costs for service, motions, and possible Guardian ad Litem fees.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service | Signed Separation Agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + litigation costs | Dispute over assets/custody |
| Complex Asset Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced valuation | Businesses, retirement assets |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Best Interests | Varies | Filing fee + possible GAL | Va. Code § 20-124.3 factors |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
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. This direct involvement in shaping state law provides a deep understanding of property division arguments that can benefit your case.
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 these matters. Our experience includes negotiating separation agreements, advocating for favorable custody arrangements, and achieving equitable property division.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters at Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. As a Virginia Beach family law lawyer near the Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana, 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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
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
Virginia Family Law Hub: Virginia Family Law Lawyer
Nearby Localities: Henrico County Family Law Lawyer, Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer
Other Practice Areas in Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer, Virginia Beach DUI/DWI Lawyer
Attorney Profile: Learn more about our attorneys
Our Office: Visit our Richmond location page
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.