Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault filings. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented family law results in Virginia Beach, providing full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters. Our Richmond location serves Virginia Beach clients by appointment.
Virginia Beach Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases, with filing fees starting at approximately $86.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes divorce grounds, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based reasons like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs equitable distribution of marital property using 11 fairness factors. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the child’s best interests standard for custody decisions. These laws apply in Virginia Beach Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
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 Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Virginia Beach court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, 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: File a divorce complaint with Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for 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.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody.
- Final hearing or trial: Attend a final uncontested hearing if settlement is reached, or proceed to trial before a judge if issues remain contested.
Virginia Beach Family Law Outcomes
In Virginia Beach, family law matters follow equitable distribution principles with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month/1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service | Virginia Beach Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing + trial costs | Virginia Beach Circuit |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | Virginia Beach J&DR |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 fairness factors | 12-24 months if complex | Business valuation fees | Virginia Beach Circuit |
Results may vary based on case specifics.
Virginia Beach Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Virginia Beach family law cases. Our approach focuses on case-specific strategy for divorce, custody, and property division matters.
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 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. These results include successful divorce settlements, custody agreements, and property division resolutions.
Results may vary based on case specifics.
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 provide family law lawyer services near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana.
We serve 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
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For family law assistance in nearby areas, see our Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer pages. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer services. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.