Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach, providing full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters. You need a 6-month or 1-year separation for a no-fault filing at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of 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). Virginia is not a community property state; it follows equitable distribution principles where marital property is divided fairly based on statutory factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations 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 Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file a Complaint for Divorce or other appropriate pleading with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The other party is served with the complaint. They have 21 days to file an Answer. Temporary support or custody motions may be filed during this period.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Trial or Final Hearing: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge, who will decide all contested issues.
- Entry of Final Order: The court enters a Final Decree of Divorce and any related orders for support, custody, and property division, concluding the case.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters follow equitable distribution standards; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | 6-month/1-year separation | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 + costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | VA Beach J&DR Court / Circuit Court | Varies | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | VA Beach J&DR Court / Circuit Court | Establishment: 1-3 months | Varies |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 12-24 months if complex | Included in divorce |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Beach Family Law 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, giving our Virginia Beach family law practice direct insight into the law’s application. Our approach is case-specific, built on a foundation of legal experience and local court knowledge.
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. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and reduced obligations in family law cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We represent clients in 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
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.