Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 outlines grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided fairly. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests.
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, Chapter 6). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
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.
- Consultation: Discuss your situation with an attorney to understand your rights and options under Virginia law.
- Filing: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange financial documents and other information relevant to property division, support, and custody.
- Negotiation/Mediation: Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or court-sponsored mediation.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a hearing or trial before a judge.
- Final Order: The court issues a final decree or order that legally resolves the matter.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Outcomes
In Virginia Beach, divorce and family law matters involve court-ordered resolutions, not criminal penalties. Outcomes are based on equitable distribution of property, child support guidelines, and the best interests of the child for custody.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or Fault | Dissolution of marriage | Court costs, attorney fees, potential spousal support | 6-month or 1-year separation required for no-fault |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property | Division of assets/debts, business valuation costs | 11 statutory factors considered |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal & physical custody arrangements | Potential Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+) | 10 statutory factors considered |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Monthly support based on combined income | Ongoing financial obligation | Health insurance, childcare costs factored |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support award | Ongoing financial obligation | Duration based on marriage length |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials
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. This direct involvement in shaping state law provides a distinct advantage in complex property division cases.
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 Experience
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 in this locality. These results include successful resolutions in divorce, custody, and property division cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Service
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. As a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, we serve the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Temporary support hearings are usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include process service ($12-$100), potential Guardian ad Litem fees for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily 50/50, under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court considers 11 factors, including each spouse’s contributions and the marriage’s duration.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s needs. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody 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, or a felony conviction with imprisonment of one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information on family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal assistance in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris or our Richmond office.
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.