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 property division. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on statutory factors.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia Beach is governed by state statutes. Divorce requires grounds as defined in Va. Code § 20-91, which includes both no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and child support is calculated using statewide guidelines.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the official Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20). For court-specific forms, procedures, and contact information, refer to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Law Process
The Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation and Strategy: Discuss your goals and the applicable Virginia statutes with your attorney from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Financial documents are exchanged, and your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property, support, and custody.
- Court Proceedings: If a settlement isn’t reached, the case proceeds to hearings or trial before a judge.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law involves specific legal standards rather than penalties: equitable distribution of property, child support based on income guidelines, and custody based on the child’s best interests.
| Matter | Legal Standard / Classification | Key Factors / Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or Fault-based | 6-month or 1-year separation; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty. |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 11 statutory factors determine a fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property. |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | 10 factors including parental role, child’s relationships, and history of abuse. |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Based on combined gross income of both parents and number of children. |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary Based on Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | 13 factors including length of marriage, standard of living, and earning capacity. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the state’s family law framework.
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
Case Results in Virginia Beach
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 these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters at the Virginia Beach courts. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, serving the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All meetings are 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuations can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Virginia Beach Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), potential Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers factors like each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases are filed in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with an agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment of one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal services in Virginia Beach, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws and procedures can change. For the most current guidance on your Virginia Beach family law matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.