Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled by the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach, providing full representation for divorce, custody, and support issues. Our Richmond location serves Virginia Beach clients by appointment.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by state statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with a signed agreement and no minor children, or a 1-year separation otherwise (Va. Code § 20-91). Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend. Child custody is determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia statute.
- Virginia Beach General District Court Website – Court information and procedures.
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.
- File a Complaint for Divorce at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office (2425 Nimmo Parkway).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or process server.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary orders if needed.
- Complete financial discovery, which may involve business valuation.
- Attempt settlement through negotiation or mediation.
- Proceed to a bench trial before a judge if no agreement is reached.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs and attorney fees. Equitable distribution divides marital property fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | N/A | $86 filing fee | None | Court costs, attorney fees |
| Contempt of Court Order | Civil/Criminal Contempt | Up to 10 days | Unlimited | None | Enforcement actions |
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Civil Contempt | Jail until purge | Unlimited | License suspension | Wage garnishment, tax intercept |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are not guarantees.
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 and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264 and I-64. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center.
We serve 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.
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).
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Sibling locality.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
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.