Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault cases; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. We handle the details of your case with a case-specific approach.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which our managing attorney personally helped amend.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia Beach operates under Virginia’s statutory framework. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property, Va. Code § 20-124.3 for child custody based on the child’s best interests, and Va. Code § 20-108.1 for child support guidelines. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally contributed to amending Va. Code § 20-107.3, bringing direct insight into this critical statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court official website.
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 the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information through the formal discovery process.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Attempt to resolve issues through negotiation or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) before trial.
- Proceed to final hearing: If settlement fails, proceed to a final hearing before a judge at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, filing fees, and potential financial obligations like child support and spousal support.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | Civil Proceeding | None | ~$86 filing + service fees | None | Property division, possible support orders |
| Divorce (Contested) | Civil Proceeding | None | Filing fees + attorney costs + experienced fees (e.g., GAL $500-$2,500+) | None | Court-ordered equitable distribution, custody, support |
| Contempt of Court | Civil/Criminal | Up to 10 days | Fine at court’s discretion | None | Enforcement of existing orders |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on general Virginia law and past firm experience.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Beach
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 family law matters in Virginia Beach. Our managing attorney played a direct role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. We maintain a 100% favorable outcome rate on our 8 documented 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 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 for family law matters. These results include successful resolutions in contested divorces, child custody agreements, and equitable distribution disputes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Representation in Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264 and I-64. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center. We serve the 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). 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 | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.