Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 statutory factors. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia divorce laws, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Virginia Beach court website provides forms and local rules: Virginia Beach General District Court.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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.
- Consult with an attorney to review your situation and goals.
- File the appropriate complaint (divorce, custody, support) at the correct court.
- Serve the other party with the legal papers.
- Participate in discovery, mediation, or settlement negotiations.
- Attend any required hearings or trial.
- Obtain the final court order or decree.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential support obligations, and property division under equitable distribution principles.
| Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | 6-month or 1-year separation required for no-fault |
| Child Support | Guideline Calculation | Based on combined gross income & custody schedule | Enforced by income withholding, license suspension |
| Spousal Support | Court Discretion | Based on 13 statutory factors, duration varies | Modifiable based on changed circumstances |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital assets & debts | Separate property (pre-marriage, gifts) excluded |
Results may vary. The information above is general; your case depends on specific facts.
Firm Credentials
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. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 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.
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.
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.
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, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas: Henrico County Family Law Lawyer and Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer. In Virginia Beach, we handle other matters: Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer and 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.