Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, 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, providing full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters. Our Richmond location serves Virginia Beach clients by appointment.
Virginia is not a community property state; marital assets are divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, including each spouse’s contributions and the marriage’s duration.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia Beach operates under Virginia state statutes. Divorce requires specific grounds under Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody determinations use the “best interests of the child” standard outlined in Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support calculations follow the Virginia guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and contact details.
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.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your case. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint with Virginia Beach Circuit Court: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
- Serve the other party with legal papers: The complaint must be served on your spouse by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, a pendente lite hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody.
- Final hearing and decree: Attend the final uncontested hearing or proceed to trial if no agreement is reached. The judge will issue the final divorce decree.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific procedural requirements and timelines, with filing fees starting at approximately $86 at the Circuit Court.
| Legal Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fees | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 + service | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | ~$86 + motion fees | Grounds must be proven |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | ~$86 + experienced costs | Business valuation often needed |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Varies | ~$86 + GAL fees | 10 statutory factors considered |
Results may vary based on case specifics.
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. We provide case-specific approaches for divorce, custody, and support 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 divorce settlements, custody agreements, and property division resolutions.
Results may vary based on case specifics.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We represent clients throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. As a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront, we offer 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. 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 about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we handle related matters such as criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. 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.