Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia is not a community property state; marital assets are divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia Beach operates under the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, applies this deep statutory knowledge to protect your interests in divorce, custody, and support matters.
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 General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). For Virginia Beach court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. 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. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint: Your attorney files the divorce complaint with Virginia Beach Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures, participate in mediation if ordered, and negotiate a settlement agreement covering all issues.
- Final hearing or trial: Attend the final uncontested hearing to present the agreement to the judge, or proceed to trial if the case is contested.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Procedures
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific filing requirements and timelines: no-fault requires 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 | Service fees $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 + motion fees | Mediation, experienced witnesses |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-asset divorce | 12-24 months | $86 + extensive costs | Forensic accountants, business valuators |
Results may vary based on case specifics, court schedules, and negotiation outcomes.
Virginia Beach Family Law Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings unique authority to Virginia Beach family law cases. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving us direct insight into the law’s application. We have 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
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. Our experience includes successful negotiation of property settlement agreements, favorable custody arrangements, and reduced support obligations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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. As a Virginia Beach family law lawyer near the 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).
Related Legal Services
For more information on family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
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.