Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris, lists 11 factors the court must consider when dividing assets and debts. 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 family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
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.
- 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 and any required mediation.
- Attend settlement conferences or court hearings.
- Obtain the final court order or decree.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce and family law matters involve court costs, potential support obligations, and property division based on equitable distribution principles, not criminal penalties.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 + costs | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | Varies | ~$86 | Based on child’s best interests |
| Child Support | J&DR Court | Establishment hearing | ~$86 | Calculated via state guidelines |
Results may vary. Fees are estimates; additional costs for service, Guardian ad Litem, or mediation apply.
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 approach is based on experience and a detailed understanding of Virginia law.
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 family law matters we have handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-264 and I-64. 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation before filing for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service (~$12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion costs, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and 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, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Separate property is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal assistance in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI Lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris or visit our Richmond office page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.