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, which Mr. Sris personally amended; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. We handle cases at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia Beach operates under Virginia state statutes. Divorce grounds are defined in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows the equitable distribution principles of Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using the statewide guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20). For information about court procedures and forms in Virginia Beach, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
The Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific Virginia laws that apply.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary documents with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, paying the required filing fees.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information and other relevant documents. Your attorney will negotiate for a fair settlement on property, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and final resolution: If settlement is not reached, your case proceeds to hearings and potentially trial before a judge at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for a final decision.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential spousal support, and equitable distribution of marital assets.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Civil Proceeding | Not applicable | Filing fees ~$86+ | Division of assets/debts |
| Contested Divorce | Civil Proceeding | Not applicable | Filing fees + litigation costs | Court-ordered support, custody schedule |
| Failure to Pay Support | Contempt of Court | Possible jail time | Fines and arrears | License suspension, liens |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on prior cases and do not aim for a similar result in your matter.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing deep, case-specific insight into property division for Virginia Beach clients.
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. These results include successful negotiations for equitable distribution and favorable child custody arrangements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. Our family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center is available to help.
We serve the 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
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer | Virginia Beach DUI/DWI Lawyer
Last verified: March 2026. Information is updated from court records and statutes as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.