Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia Beach is governed by specific state statutes. Divorce requires grounds as defined in Va. Code § 20-91, which includes both no-fault and fault-based options. 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 considerations are outlined in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current statutory text, refer to the official Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) on the Virginia General Assembly website. The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and contact details.
Virginia Beach Family Law Process
Family law cases in Virginia Beach follow a structured legal path. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. 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.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your situation and goals with an attorney to understand applicable Virginia laws and procedures.
- Filing: Your attorney prepares and files the necessary complaint or petition with the correct Virginia Beach court.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures and negotiate a settlement on property, support, and custody matters.
- Resolution: Finalize the case through a court-approved settlement agreement or proceed to a hearing or trial for a judge’s decision.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law involves specific legal standards rather than penalties: equitable distribution of property, child support based on state guidelines, and custody based on the child’s best interests.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Court / Timeline | Typical Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (6-month/1-year separation) or Fault Grounds | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 2-24 months | Filing: ~$86 + service fees |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Varies by asset complexity |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child (10 factors) | VA Beach J&DR or Circuit Court | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | VA Beach J&DR or Circuit Court | Court costs for modification |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of your situation.
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 Experience
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 Service
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters at the Virginia Beach courts. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. We serve the Virginia Beach area and surrounding 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). Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all property division. 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
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – A different practice area in Virginia Beach.
Learn more about Mr. Sris – Attorney profile.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.