Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery, 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 full text of Virginia family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) (official Virginia General Assembly). For court forms and procedures, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Law 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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the appropriate petition: File a divorce complaint, custody petition, or support motion at Virginia Beach Circuit Court or J&DR Court with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Serve the filed documents on the other party through sheriff service, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend hearings and negotiate: Attend scheduled hearings for temporary orders. Engage in negotiation or mediation to reach a settlement agreement.
- Finalize the case: If settlement is reached, submit the agreement to the court for approval. If not, proceed to trial for a judge’s decision.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve court costs and attorney fees rather than criminal penalties; equitable distribution divides marital property fairly based on statutory factors.
| Offense | Classification | Court Costs / Fees | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | ~$86 filing fee + service fees | Property division, potential spousal support |
| Child Support Contempt | Civil Contempt | Additional motion fees | Wage garnishment, license suspension, jail |
| Custody Modification | Civil Petition | Filing fee applies | Parenting plan changes, possible GAL fees |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are not guarantees.
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. 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
Case Results in Virginia Beach
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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway), Route 58, and Route 13 (Shore Drive). We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront/Boardwalk, Town Center, and Naval Air Station Oceana. 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
For more information on family law in Virginia, see 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 handle other legal matters: Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer and Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.