Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. We handle the details of your family law case with a case-specific approach.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. Child custody decisions follow the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Spousal support is determined using 13 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Divorce grounds.
- Virginia Beach General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
Virginia Beach Family Court 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.
- File the initial complaint at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on the other party by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100). File proof of service.
- Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, mediation, and trial.
- Complete discovery and attend mediation to attempt settlement. If mediation fails, prepare for trial.
- Present evidence and witness testimony at trial. The judge issues a final order.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters follow equitable distribution standards with no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | 6-month/1-year separation | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 2-4 months |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 9-18 months |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 12-24 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Virginia Beach J&DR Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Virginia Beach J&DR Court | Establishment: 1-3 months |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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 legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our approach: 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
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 for family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264 and I-64. 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?
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 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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Nearby locality.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area, same locality.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.