Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law cases are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. We handle the details of your case with a case-specific approach based on our experience.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia Beach is defined by the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This direct involvement with the law provides unique insight into property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current information, consult these official government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia family law statutes from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Virginia Beach General District Court website – Court information, forms, and procedures from the Virginia judicial system.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. 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 the initial complaint at Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse or the other parent by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if temporary orders for support or custody are needed, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial documents and other evidence through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt settlement through mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge for final determination if settlement fails.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters follow equitable distribution standards with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after separation; fault grounds available | 2-24 months | $86+ filing fee |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Varies by complexity | Valuation fees may apply |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Pendente lite: 21-60 days | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Establishment at filing | Court costs apply |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Pendente lite or final | Varies by case |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Virginia Beach Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm direct involvement with the law governing property division in Virginia Beach divorces.
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 Family Law 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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway), Route 58, and Route 13 (Shore Drive). We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront/Boardwalk, Town Center, and Naval Air Station Oceana.
We serve 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 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 other legal needs in Virginia Beach, consider:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide family law information and resources.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law representation in neighboring Henrico County.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense representation in Virginia Beach.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our of counsel attorney.
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.