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, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach, providing full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters. Our Richmond location serves clients throughout the Virginia Beach area by appointment.
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), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into this critical 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 Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). 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 all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific Virginia Beach court procedures.
- Filing the initial pleading: File the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, or support) at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Ensure proper service of process on the other party according to Virginia rules, using a sheriff, process server, or accepted alternative method.
- Attend scheduling and discovery conferences: Participate in court-ordered conferences to set timelines and exchange financial disclosures and other evidence required under Virginia law.
- Negotiation or mediation: Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or court-referred mediation to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody.
- Trial preparation and hearing: If settlement fails, prepare for and present your case at a final hearing before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge for a decision.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on state guidelines, and custody determinations using the child’s best interests standard.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Court Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or fault grounds | Dissolution of marriage, property division, support | ~$86 filing fee + service fees |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payment order | Motion filing fees apply |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Physical/legal custody arrangement | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (11 factors) | Division of assets and debts | Valuation experienced fees may apply |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and 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 and a documented record of 8 case results in Virginia Beach. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing our Virginia Beach clients with direct insight into this complex area of 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 for these 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), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, serving the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities.
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.
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.
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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Profile
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.