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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division in Virginia Beach Circuit Court and J&DR Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving our firm direct insight into its application. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Support) — official Virginia statute
- Virginia Beach General District Court website — court information and forms
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- File the initial complaint for divorce or custody at the 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 the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, mediation, and trial dates.
- Complete discovery and mediation, exchanging financial documents and attempting settlement.
- If no settlement is reached, prepare exhibits, witness lists, and legal arguments for trial before the judge.
- Obtain the judge’s signed final order resolving all issues of divorce, property, custody, and support.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific filing requirements and timelines, with equitable distribution of marital property based on statutory factors.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fees | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 + service | Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 + costs | Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Varies | J&DR Court |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis | 12-24 months complex | Court costs + experts | Circuit Court |
Results may vary based on case specifics. The information above provides general guidelines.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have 120+ years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm unique insight into property division cases. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ firm-wide case results.
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. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana, serving 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.
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.
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 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 and the child’s relationship with each parent. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — state hub page
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — nearby locality
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer — related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — firm attorney
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.