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 at 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 Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, fees, and procedural information.
Virginia Beach Family Law Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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.
- Consultation & Document Gathering: Meet with an attorney to review your case. Gather financial records, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway). The filing fee is approximately $86.
- Service & Response: The complaint is served on your spouse, who has 21 days to file an answer.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial disclosures. Your attorney negotiates a settlement covering property, support, and custody.
- Pendente Lite Hearing: If temporary orders are needed for support or custody, a hearing is typically set within 21-60 days.
- Final Resolution: For uncontested cases, a brief final hearing is held. Contested cases proceed to trial where a judge decides.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties & Standards
In Virginia Beach, divorce and family law matters follow equitable distribution standards; no-fault divorce is available after a 6-month or 1-year separation, and fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome / Range | Court Costs & Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (separation) or Fault | Dissolution of marriage | ~$86 filing fee + $12 service |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property | Valuation experts: $2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly amount based on combined income & custody | Guideline calculation included |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support based on need & ability | Court costs for motions |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal & physical custody arrangements | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on Virginia law and typical case resolutions. Each case is unique.
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating direct impact on state family 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 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 handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the 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 the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location
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 a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Total cost depends on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.