Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91.
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, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). To access forms and local rules, 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. The 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 initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the legal documents to your spouse.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, request a hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Complex cases may require business valuation or forensic accounting.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach a property settlement or custody agreement.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, the case goes to trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge for a final decision.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law outcomes are based on equitable distribution and the child’s best interests, not set penalties. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or a 1-year separation.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Potential Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 2-24 months | $86 filing fee + service + possible GAL |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Established at hearing | Court costs |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Determined at trial | Varies |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and evidence.
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 deep involvement in Virginia 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 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 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.
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. Contested divorces typically take 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation before filing no-fault.
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), possible Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/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 under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Separate property 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 and the child’s relationships. 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.
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 related matters including criminal defense and DUI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.