Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled by the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific state codes. Divorce requires grounds under Va. Code § 20-91, which includes both no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, while child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support is evaluated using the 13 factors listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
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 General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). For court-specific forms, procedures, and contact information, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court official website.
Virginia Beach Family Law Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your case specifics. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody to avoid trial if possible.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. The court issues a final decree of divorce.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific procedural requirements and costs, including a 6-month or 1-year separation period for no-fault filings and court filing fees starting at approximately $86.
| Offense / Matter | Classification / Grounds | Timeline | Filing Fees & Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (Separation) | 2-4 months | ~$86 + service fees | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | ~$86 + motion costs + possible experienced fees | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Varies | Motion fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | VA Beach J&DR Court / Circuit Court |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | 12-24 months (complex) | Court costs + business valuation fees | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on prior cases and are not a aim for of future results.
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our approach is case-specific, built on direct legal experience rather than generic strategies.
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 Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264 and I-64. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, serving the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana areas. 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 to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases involving business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period before filing for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Virginia Beach Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service fees (~$12), private process servers ($50-$100), potential Guardian ad Litem fees for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation costs ($100-$300 per hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, such as pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division.
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. Standalone custody cases are filed in Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction resulting in imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Mr. Sris Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.