Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes, including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. We offer case-specific approaches based on your circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children. 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
Refer to the official Virginia family law statutes (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1) for the complete legal text. 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 understand your rights and options under Virginia law.
- File the appropriate complaint (divorce, custody, support) with the correct court and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the other party with the legal papers according to Virginia rules.
- Participate in discovery, which may include financial disclosures and depositions.
- Attend settlement conferences or mediation to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to a court hearing or trial if an agreement cannot be reached.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce and family law matters involve court costs, potential support obligations, and property division, but no criminal penalties unless contempt of court is found.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 + costs | Discovery, hearings, possible trial |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | Varies | Varies | Based on child’s best interests |
| Child Support | J&DR Court | Established at hearing | Varies | Calculated via state guidelines |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
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 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
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 family law matters in this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Service
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. Available for 24/7 phone consultations at (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 Services
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Virginia Beach, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys and our Richmond location.
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.