Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. Our Richmond location serves Virginia Beach clients by appointment.
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. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Divorce grounds.
- Virginia Beach General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial divorce complaint at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve your spouse using the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) within 120 days.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary support or custody, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery, exchanging financial documents and answering interrogatories to identify marital assets.
- Attempt settlement or attend mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to resolve custody or property disputes.
- Proceed to trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge if settlement fails.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties & Standards
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific procedural requirements and financial obligations based on Virginia’s equitable distribution system and child support guidelines.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or Fault | Filing fee: ~$86 + service costs | 6-month or 1-year separation required for no-fault |
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (11 factors) | Division of marital property | Separate property excluded; forensic accounting may be needed |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payments based on combined gross income | Health insurance and childcare costs factored |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary or permanent payments | Duration based on marriage length and need |
| Contempt of Court | Failure to comply with court order | Fines, attorney fees, possible jail time | Enforcement through Virginia Beach courts |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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 approach is case-specific, drawing on direct experience with Virginia Beach courts.
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, serving Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. 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?
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 – Statewide hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving nearby locality.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area in Virginia Beach.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our team.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from 2026-02-15 data. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.