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 by 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 offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91. Child custody is determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
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.
- File the initial complaint at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, file a pendente lite motion. A hearing is typically set within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery, exchanging financial documents. Complex cases may require business valuation or forensic accounting.
- Negotiate a settlement agreement. Mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) is available but not mandatory.
- If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties & Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law follows equitable distribution principles; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or Fault-based | Court fee: ~$86 + service fees | 6-month or 1-year separation period |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of marital property & debts | Business valuation may be required |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payments based on combined gross income | Guidelines adjust with income changes |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent payments | Duration based on marriage length |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting plan required |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials & 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. 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 for family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Representation
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 Naval Air Station Oceana. 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.
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 Resources
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.