Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, requiring either a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault dissolution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented family law results in Virginia Beach, providing full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters. Our Richmond location serves Virginia Beach clients by appointment.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases.
Virginia requires either a 6-month separation period for couples without minor children who have a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation for couples with minor children, to file for no-fault divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. The equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris), lists 11 factors the court must consider when dividing marital property fairly, not necessarily equally.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 20-91). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. 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 the initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend the 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 as required.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve property division, support, and custody issues without trial.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare exhibits, witness lists, and trial briefs for the final hearing before the Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Consequences
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific financial and custodial consequences based on equitable distribution principles and child support guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair division of marital assets/debts | Business valuation may be required |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Based on combined gross income | Health insurance and childcare costs added |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent awards | Tax implications for payer/recipient |
| Custody/Visitation | Best interests of child (Va. Code § 20-124.2) | Parenting time schedules | Relocation restrictions may apply |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Virginia Beach Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our firm brings substantial knowledge to Virginia Beach family law matters. Mr. Sris maintains a selective caseload to ensure deep involvement in each client’s case.
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 property division settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and appropriate support determinations.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves Virginia Beach clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. As a Virginia Beach family law lawyer near the Oceanfront and Town Center, we represent clients throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
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 Virginia Legal Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
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.