Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled by the Virginia Beach Circuit Court; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and support matters. We use a case-specific approach to handle the details of your family law situation.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by state statutes, including those for divorce, property division, child custody, and support. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court applies these laws to cases filed in the locality.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction.
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 the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
The 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.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law outcomes are based on equitable distribution and the best interests of the child, not set penalties. Child support is calculated using state guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after 6-month/1-year separation; Fault grounds available | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-18 months (contested) |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 12-24 months for complex assets |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Virginia Beach J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Varies by case complexity |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Virginia Beach J&DR Court | Established at initial hearing |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Determined at trial or settlement |
Results may vary. Each family law case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Beach
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 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 for family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Office
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 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
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer | Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
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.