Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, based on 11 factors outlined in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this key statute. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91. Child custody and support are governed by the “best interests of the child” standard in Va. Code § 20-124.3 and the state’s support guidelines in § 20-108.1.
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 Code (law.lis.virginia.gov). For court-specific forms, procedures, and contact information, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Virginia Beach Family Law Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. The Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File a Complaint: Submit your Complaint for Divorce to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve Your Spouse: Arrange for formal service of the legal papers by a sheriff, private process server, or accepted waiver.
- Exchange Financial Disclosures: Both parties must complete detailed financial statements and exchange relevant documents.
- Negotiate or Mediate: Work towards a property settlement agreement. The court may order mediation if you cannot agree.
- Attend Hearings: Participate in any pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and the final hearing for the divorce decree.
- Obtain Final Order: The judge signs the final decree of divorce, which includes all orders on property, support, and custody.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Divorce | Separation Period | Dissolution of Marriage | Court costs, attorney fees |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair Division (11 factors) | Division of Marital Assets/Debts | Varies by estate complexity |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Monthly Payment Order | Based on combined income & custody |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors | Temporary or Permanent Award | Duration and amount vary |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are not guarantees.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial divorce cases. The firm’s combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
Case Results in Virginia Beach
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 family law matters handled.
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 and I-64. As a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, we serve the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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 typically takes 2-4 months from filing. A contested divorce can take 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation may require 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Virginia Beach Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), potential Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia uses equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
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 relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; custody within a divorce goes to Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children + agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no wait), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also assist with Criminal Defense in Virginia Beach and DUI/DWI Defense in Virginia Beach. Learn more about your attorney on the Bryan Block profile page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.