Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. We help you understand the legal process and protect your rights.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., which was established in 1997. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise.
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, see Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific forms and procedures, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Law Process
The Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific Virginia laws that apply.
- Filing the initial complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both parties exchange financial and other relevant information. Your attorney will negotiate for a settlement agreement on property, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and final resolution: If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to hearings and potentially a trial before a judge at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for a final decree.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, divorce and family law matters follow equitable distribution principles, with no-fault divorce available after a 6-month or 1-year separation, and fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, or desertion.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (Separation) | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Signed separation agreement, no minor children |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Disputed property, custody, or support |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child | VA Beach J&DR / Circuit Court | Varies | 10 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 12-24 months (complex) | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on prior cases and do not aim for a similar result in your matter.
Firm Credentials and Authority
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. This direct involvement in shaping state law provides a unique depth of understanding for 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 Experience
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 these matters. These results include cases involving divorce, child custody, and property division resolved in Virginia Beach courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Service
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264 and I-64. As a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, we serve the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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
For more information on family law across Virginia, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other legal issues in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.