Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law cases are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. 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 in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. We handle the details of your case with a case-specific approach.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by state code. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody uses the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support considers factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm uses its experience in Virginia courts to handle family law matters.
Official Legal Resources
Refer to these government sources for Virginia law:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Annulment) – official Virginia General Assembly statute.
- Virginia Beach General District Court website – court information and procedures.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
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.
- File a divorce complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through formal discovery procedures.
- Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law follows equitable distribution standards; no-fault divorce requires 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after separation; fault grounds available | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-24 months (contested) | $86 filing fee + service costs |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Determined during divorce | Valuation experts may be needed |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Standalone or within divorce | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on income under Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Monthly ongoing | Court-established amount |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary or permanent | Court-determined amount |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Virginia Beach Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This change affects how courts divide marital property in Virginia.
Our firm follows the tagline: “Global advocacy. Local precision.” We apply this to Virginia Beach family law cases.
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 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.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We represent clients from Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. Our family law lawyer near Virginia Beach is accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44, Route 58, and Route 13.
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
Explore our other legal services:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – state hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – nearby locality.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – different practice area same locality.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – attorney information.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.