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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce requires grounds under Va. Code § 20-91: no-fault after 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction. Equitable distribution of marital property 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. Child support follows Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
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 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For court-specific forms, procedures, and contact information, 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. 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. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve issues without trial.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and legal options. Bring relevant documents.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint (divorce, custody, support) at Virginia Beach Circuit Court or J&DR Court with required fees.
- Discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures and other information. Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation.
- Court hearings and trial preparation: Attend scheduled hearings for temporary orders. If settlement fails, prepare for trial with evidence and witness testimony.
- Final order and implementation: Obtain the final court order (decree) and ensure proper implementation of terms regarding property, support, and custody.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law outcomes are based on equitable distribution standards and statutory factors, not fixed penalties. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Potential Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or fault grounds | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-24 months (contested) | Filing fee ~$86, plus service, possible GAL, mediation |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Determined within divorce timeline | Valuation experts, forensic accountants |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies; temporary orders possible | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly ongoing obligation | Court costs for modification/enforcement |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Temporary or permanent | Potential tax implications |
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 has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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. These results include matters resolved through settlement, negotiation, and court proceedings.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. Our family law lawyer near Virginia Beach represents clients in 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 Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we handle other matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. 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.