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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 and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50 under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving our firm direct insight into its application.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists. When minor children are involved, the separation period extends to one year. Fault grounds include adultery (with no waiting period), 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 complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides court forms, filing information, and local rules.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B. Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Consult with an attorney to determine grounds for divorce and prepare necessary documents.
- File the divorce complaint with Virginia Beach Circuit Court and pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server.
- Attend any required hearings for temporary support, custody, or pendente lite motions.
- Complete financial disclosures and either negotiate a settlement or prepare for trial.
- Attend the final hearing to obtain the divorce decree and any related orders.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs, attorney fees, and potential financial obligations including child support, spousal support, and property division.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Timeline | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Circuit Court | $86 | 2-24 months | Service fees, motion costs |
| Child Support Petition | J&DR Court | $86 | 1-3 months | Income verification |
| Custody Modification | J&DR Court | $86 | 2-6 months | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Protective Order | J&DR Court | No fee | Immediate-14 days | Service fees |
Results may vary based on case specifics, court schedules, and individual circumstances.
Firm Experience in Virginia Beach Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our Virginia Beach family law practice unique statutory insight.
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 for family law matters. Our experience includes contested divorces with complex property division, child custody disputes, and support modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44 (Virginia Beach Expressway), Route 58, and Route 13 (Shore Drive). We represent clients throughout 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?
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. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
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 about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer.
In Virginia Beach, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense matters. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience or visit our Richmond office location page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.