Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia family law statutes: Va. Code Title 20 Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Virginia Beach court information: Virginia Beach General District Court website.
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.
- File a divorce or custody complaint at Virginia Beach Circuit Court with the required filing fee.
- Have the complaint served on your spouse by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- If temporary orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing for support and custody within 21-60 days.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process.
- Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge.
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and potential spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after 6-month/1-year separation; fault grounds available | 2-24 months | $86+ filing fee |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Establishment at filing | Court costs |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | During divorce proceeding | Valuation fees if complex |
| Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Standalone or with divorce | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into Virginia family 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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces with equitable distribution, child custody arrangements, and support modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). Family law lawyer 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.
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).
Virginia family law overview: Virginia Family Law Lawyer. Nearby family law attorneys: Henrico County Family Law Lawyer and Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer. Other legal services in Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer and Virginia Beach DUI/DWI Lawyer. Attorney profile: Bryan Block.
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.