Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not automatically 50/50. The primary statutes are Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support), and § 20-124.2 (custody). Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our team direct insight into this critical law.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) – official Virginia statute.
- Virginia Beach General District Court website – court information and forms.
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 & Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File 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 Documents & Await Response: The complaint is served to your spouse. They have 21 days to file an Answer. If uncontested, a separation agreement may be submitted.
- 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.
- Negotiate Settlement or Prepare for Trial: Your attorney negotiates a settlement through mediation or direct discussion. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.
- Final Hearing & Decree Entry: Attend the final uncontested hearing or trial. The judge reviews the agreement or evidence and enters the final divorce decree, resolving all issues.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties & Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential spousal support, and equitable distribution of assets.
| Offense / Issue | Classification | Potential Outcome | Costs / Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | Final decree after separation period | Court filing: ~$86 + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | Trial, judge decides all issues | Court costs + attorney fees + experienced costs |
| Child Custody Dispute | Best Interests Standard | Parenting plan ordered by court | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | Fair division per 11 factors | Business valuation: $3,000-$10,000+ |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 factors | Temporary or permanent award | Motion filing fees + potential ongoing payments |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on general Virginia law and past cases. Each case is unique.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Beach
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. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.” For Virginia family law, our key credential is that Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
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 locally.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at the 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 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. 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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – parent hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – sibling locality.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – attorney information.
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.