In Virginia Beach, Virginia, divorce follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. A Private Adoption Lawyer Virginia Beach can guide you through complex family transitions. Contact us at (888) 437-7747.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to determine a fair division. Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, or gifts — is excluded from division. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and a signed separation agreement exists, or a 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault-based grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1 year or more. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support depends on 13 statutory factors. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For family law matters in Virginia Beach, the primary statute governing divorce grounds is Va. Code § 20-91, which establishes both no-fault and fault-based grounds for dissolution of marriage. Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody determinations follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 specific factors. Child support is calculated under Va. Code § 20-108.1 using the Virginia child support guidelines formula based on combined gross income.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — official Virginia General Assembly) and Virginia Beach General District Court website.
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 property settlement agreement (separation agreement) signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File a complaint for divorce at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing set within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended; $100-$300/hour per party).
- Attend the uncontested divorce hearing with a corroborating witness.
- Receive the final decree of divorce (2-4 months uncontested; 9-18 months contested).
In Virginia Beach, Virginia, family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support calculated under Virginia guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault; 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year (with children) | 2-4 months from filing | $86 filing fee + $12 sheriff service | Property settlement agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + discovery costs | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) for custody |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies; pendente lite hearing in 21-60 days | Court costs + GAL fees | Mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing until child emancipates | No additional filing fee | Modification available for change in circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Duration varies | No additional filing fee | Modification available for change in circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a rare achievement that demonstrates deep legislative and procedural knowledge. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” In Virginia Beach, the firm has 8 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. A Private Adoption Lawyer Virginia Beach from our team can assist with adoption proceedings alongside divorce and custody matters.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law matters in Virginia Beach. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and brings over 25 years of experience to each case.
In Virginia Beach, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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). A family law lawyer near Virginia Beach can meet you at our Richmond location or arrange a phone consultation.
We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. 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?
It depends. 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 (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.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. Compare with Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For related services in Virginia Beach, see Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI lawyer. Meet our attorney: Bryan Block. Visit our Richmond office location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.