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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. We handle the details of your case with a case-specific approach.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific state codes. Divorce grounds are established under Va. Code § 20-91, requiring either a 6-month separation (with agreement and no minor children) or a 1-year separation. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody determinations use the “best interests of the child” standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering ten specific factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific procedures and forms, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. 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.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on the other party by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties & Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law follows equitable distribution standards; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or Fault | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | 6-month or 1-year separation period |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (11 factors) | Varies by marital estate value | Business valuation may be required |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on income | Monthly payments per VA guidelines | Health insurance and childcare add-ons |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Temporary or permanent awards | Tax implications (payer deductible) |
| Custody Violation | Contempt of Court | Fines, attorney fees | Modified custody arrangement |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Beach
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, giving our Virginia Beach family law practice direct insight into this critical law.
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 Family Law 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. These results include successful divorce settlements, custody agreements, and equitable distribution resolutions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
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 Naval Air Station Oceana.
We serve the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (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 Services
For more information on family law across Virginia, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer. In Virginia Beach, we handle other legal matters such as criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.