In Virginia Beach, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. An Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Virginia Beach can help enforce or modify a foreign divorce decree.
Virginia Beach Divorce and Family Law: Statutory Framework
Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Under Va. Code § 20-91, 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 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into property division. For child custody, Va. Code § 20-124.3 lists 10 best-interest factors. Child support follows Virginia guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support is determined by 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the complete text of Virginia’s divorce and family law statutes, see Va. Code §§ 20-91 through 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Virginia Beach Family Law
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. A property settlement agreement (separation agreement) signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates. The Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 handles Virginia Beach family law matters.
- File a complaint for divorce at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (filing fee approximately $86).
- Serve the other party with process (sheriff service approximately $12; private process server $50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody (hearing typically set within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation if ordered (cost $100-$300/hour per party).
- Participate in a final hearing or submit a signed property settlement agreement for court approval.
In Virginia Beach, Virginia, family law matters involve court costs and potential financial consequences including attorney fees and Guardian ad Litem costs.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Costs | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee | $12 sheriff service | Final decree entered |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee | $500-$2,500+ GAL | Trial, attorney fees awarded |
| Child Custody | Best interests | Varies | Motion costs | $100-$300/hr mediation | Custody order, parenting time schedule |
| Child Support | Guidelines | 30-60 days | Motion costs | Income verification | Support order, wage withholding |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Virginia Beach Family Law Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute — a credential no other Virginia family law firm can claim. This amendment directly affects how marital property is divided in every Virginia divorce. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Case Results in Virginia Beach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). Our location is accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway), Route 58, and Route 13 (Shore Drive).
Family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
Serving: Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Virginia Beach
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. 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. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. 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 may include forensic accountants for complex estates.
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). Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. 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?
Yes. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer page. Meet our attorney: Bryan Block. Our Richmond office serves Virginia Beach clients.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.