Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce, custody, and property division, are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for Virginia Beach Circuit Court and J&DR Court proceedings. We handle cases involving military families near Naval Air Station Oceana and complex asset division.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or 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 full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, fees, and procedural information.
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.
- Consult with an attorney to evaluate your grounds for divorce and immediate needs.
- File a complaint in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court (divorce) or J&DR Court (custody/support).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through the sheriff or a private process server.
- Engage in discovery, which may include financial disclosures and depositions.
- Attempt mediation or negotiation to reach a settlement agreement.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial if an agreement cannot be reached.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential support obligations, and equitable distribution of assets and debts.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Typical Timeline | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Circuit Court | ~$86 | 2-24 months | Separation period required |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Circuit Court | Additional costs | Hearing in 21-60 days | Temporary support/custody |
| Standalone Custody/Support | J&DR Court | Varies | Varies | Best interests of child |
| Guardian ad Litem | Either Court | $500-$2,500+ | Case duration | Appointed for child’s interest |
Results may vary. The information above is based on typical procedures and should not be considered a aim for.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Family Law
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, demonstrating direct involvement in shaping state 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 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Service
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts on Nimmo Parkway, accessible via I-264 and I-64. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary matters are usually set within 21-60 days.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, a Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Total cost depends on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 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 cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal help in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
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.