Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases.
Virginia requires either a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when there are no minor children and a signed agreement exists, or a 1-year separation when minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery (with no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. The equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris helped amend, outlines 11 factors the court must consider when dividing marital property fairly but not necessarily equally.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach family law cases follow specific local procedures. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court addresses standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and legal options.
- Collect all relevant documents including financial records, property deeds, and any existing agreements.
- File the necessary complaint or petition with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, paying the required filing fees.
- Participate in discovery, attend mediation if ordered, and negotiate settlement terms with the other party.
- Attend all scheduled court hearings, including pendente lite motions and the final hearing for decree entry.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Requirements
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific requirements including separation periods and follows equitable distribution principles for property division.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fees | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 + service fees | 6-month or 1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or Fault | 9-18 months | $86 + motion fees | Mediation often required |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | $86 + experienced fees | Forensic accounting common |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Virginia Beach Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our firm brings substantial knowledge to Virginia Beach family law matters. Our Virginia Beach location serves clients throughout the area with a focus on practical, effective representation.
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. Our attorneys work to achieve positive resolutions through negotiation, mediation, and when necessary, litigation in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44, Route 58, and Route 13. We provide family law lawyer services near Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Town Center, Naval Air Station Oceana, and throughout the Virginia Beach area.
We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (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).
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.
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).
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer services. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, we also provide criminal defense representation and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.