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. The court considers 11 statutory factors, including each spouse’s contributions and the marriage’s duration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this case-specific approach for Virginia Beach clients.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce laws, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms and procedures.
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.
- Consult with an attorney to assess your grounds for divorce and immediate needs.
- File a complaint in Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse using the sheriff or a private process server.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Exchange financial disclosures and participate in discovery if the case is contested.
- Attend mediation or a final hearing to obtain the divorce decree.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, attorney fees, and potential financial obligations like child support and spousal support.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs | Final decree in 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | Court fees + attorney fees + experienced costs | Timeline: 9-18 months |
| Complex Asset Division | Equitable Distribution | Adds business valuation, forensic accounting | Timeline: 12-24 months |
Results may vary. The information above is for general guidance only.
Firm Credentials
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 has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our tagline is: Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), 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. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support are usually set within 21-60 days of the motion.
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 court costs, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per 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, which was 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 J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Circuit Court handles custody within divorce 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, and 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 nearby areas like Henrico County family law. In Virginia Beach, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about Mr. Sris or visit our Richmond office page.
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.