Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters 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. You face decisions about divorce, child custody, support, and property division. Our firm provides full representation in Virginia Beach Circuit Court and J&DR Court. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for a case-specific approach.
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. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months without minor children or 1 year with children) and fault grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91. Child custody follows the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and support uses statewide guidelines.
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 Va. Code § 20-91 et seq. (official Virginia General Assembly). For Virginia Beach court information, forms, and procedures, see 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.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures, respond to interrogatories, and conduct depositions to gather evidence on assets, income, and parenting roles.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve property division, support, and custody issues without trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge who will issue a final decree.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law outcomes follow equitable distribution standards; no-fault divorce requires 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 9-24 months | 11 statutory factors, contributions, debts |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | VA Beach J&DR Court or Circuit Court | 3-12 months | 10 factors, parent-child relationship, stability |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | VA Beach J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Combined gross income, custody time, healthcare |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 6-18 months | Need, ability to pay, duration, standard of living |
| Divorce | No-fault or Fault Grounds (Va. Code § 20-91) | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 2-18 months | Separation period, fault evidence, agreement |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of your case.
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. 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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of your case.
Local Virginia Beach Representation
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44, Route 58, and Route 13. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana. 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 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 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 on Virginia family law, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For family law help in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, visit our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer pages. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.