Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests).
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This direct involvement in shaping family law provides unique insight into property division cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific procedures and forms, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. 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 initial pleadings at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office with required fees.
- Serve the other party by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary orders within 21-60 days if needed.
- Complete discovery including financial documents and depositions.
- Attempt settlement through mediation or settlement conferences.
- Proceed to trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge if settlement fails.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties & Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs, potential support obligations, and property division under equitable distribution principles.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fees | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 + service | Minimal |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 + service | Mediation, experienced witnesses |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | $86 + service | Forensic accountant, business valuator |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Varies | J&DR filing fees | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
Results may vary. The information above provides general guidelines; individual case outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials & Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years of combined attorney experience to Virginia Beach family law cases. Founded in 1997, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing direct insight into property division 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
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. These results include divorces with favorable property division, child custody arrangements in the client’s best interests, and successful modifications of support orders.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We provide family law lawyer services near Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Town Center, and Naval Air Station Oceana.
We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (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). Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all property division. 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 family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law.
If you need other legal services in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience or visit our Richmond office location 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.