Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters are handled in Circuit Court 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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. You need a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce if you have no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not automatically 50/50.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are defined in Va. Code § 20-91. Equitable distribution of marital property follows Va. Code § 20-107.3. Child support is calculated using guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.2. Spousal support considers factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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 grounds, separation requirements, and potential outcomes.
- Filing: Your attorney files the complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court and serves the other party.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Financial disclosures are exchanged. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property, support, and custody.
- Resolution: If an agreement is reached, a final hearing is scheduled. If not, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault, and Virginia uses equitable distribution to divide marital property fairly based on statutory factors.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (Failure to obey order) | Civil or Criminal | Up to 10 days jail per occurrence | Unlimited court discretion | Attorney’s fees awarded to other party |
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Civil Contempt | Jail until purge amount paid | N/A | License suspension, tax refund interception |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are not guarantees.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating direct impact on state 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
Case Results in Virginia Beach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. 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. 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 a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include process service ($12-$100), Guardian ad Litem 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 based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. 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. The court considers 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 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 for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.