Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce). For court forms and procedures, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
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.
- File the initial complaint at Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff, process server, or certified mail.
- Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, mediation, and trial.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Attend court-ordered or voluntary mediation.
- If no agreement is reached, prepare for trial by organizing evidence, witnesses, and legal arguments.
- Present your case at the final hearing before the judge, who will issue orders on all contested issues.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties, with filing fees starting at approximately $86 for a divorce complaint and additional costs for service, motions, and experienced evaluations.
| Proceeding | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Service: $12-$100 | 2-24 months |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Circuit Court | Additional fee | Hearing preparation | 21-60 days for hearing |
| Child Custody Petition | J&DR Court | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 3-12 months |
| Mediation | Court-ordered | N/A | $100-$300/hour per party | 1-3 sessions |
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 and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating 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
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. These results include divorces resolved through settlement agreements, custody arrangements established in the child’s best interests, and equitable distribution of complex marital estates.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway), Route 58, and Route 13 (Shore Drive). We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront/Boardwalk, Town Center, and Naval Air Station Oceana.
We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana neighborhoods.
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
For more information on family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need assistance in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.