Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests standards). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors rather than automatically 50/50.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B. 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.
- Initial Consultation: Meet with our attorneys to review your situation, goals, and documents.
- Case Strategy: Develop a case-specific approach based on Virginia law and local court procedures.
- Filing and Service: Prepare and file appropriate pleadings with Virginia Beach Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures and negotiate settlement on all issues.
- Court Proceedings: Attend hearings for temporary orders and, if necessary, trial for final judgment.
- Post-Judgment Matters: Handle enforcement or modification of court orders as needed.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters follow statutory standards rather than penalties: equitable distribution of marital property based on 11 factors, child support calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation; fault grounds available | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-24 months (contested) | Filing fee: ~$86; service: $12-$100; additional costs vary |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (11 factors) | Typically resolved with divorce | Valuation experts: $1,500-$5,000+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 (10 factors) | Standalone: 3-9 months; with divorce: same as divorce | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income and custody arrangement | Establishment: 1-3 months; modification: 2-4 months | Filing fee: ~$86; service costs apply |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary: 21-60 days; permanent: with divorce | Filing fee: ~$86; financial analysis may be needed |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into Virginia family law. Our tagline reflects our approach: “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. These results include divorces resolved through settlement, custody arrangements established in the child’s best interests, and equitable distribution agreements reached without protracted litigation.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Local Representation in Virginia Beach
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway), Route 58, and Route 13 (Shore Drive). We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront/Boardwalk, Town Center, and Naval Air Station Oceana.
We serve the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities. Contact us 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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
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. 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?
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 Resources
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we handle other legal matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verification: February 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.