Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation before filing no-fault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented family law results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia family law statutes define divorce grounds, property division, and child support standards. Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) outlines how marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily 50/50—based on 11 factors. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris, giving our firm direct insight into its application.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official resources: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce) and Virginia Beach General District Court website.
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.
- File initial complaint with Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
- Serve your spouse with process through sheriff or private server.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary orders if needed.
- Complete discovery including financial disclosures and depositions.
- Attempt settlement through mediation or negotiation.
- Proceed to trial if settlement cannot be reached.
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state with no-fault divorce available after 6-month or 1-year separation.
| Issue | Governing Law | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | Va. Code § 20-91 | Circuit Court | 2-24 months | Separation period required |
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Circuit Court | 6-24 months | 11 statutory factors |
| Child Custody | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | J&DR Court | 3-12 months | Best interests of child |
| Child Support | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Guidelines based on income |
| Spousal Support | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Circuit Court | 3-12 months | 13 statutory factors |
Results may vary based on case specifics.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. 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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division 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
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 divorces with favorable property division, child custody agreements, and support arrangements.
Results may vary based on case specifics.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). Family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana. We serve 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). Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all property division. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related pages: Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer | Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
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.