In Virginia Beach, family law matters including divorce, custody, and support fall under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. A Private Adoption Lawyer Virginia Beach can guide you through the legal process.
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning 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) to determine fair division. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and both parties sign a separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which considers 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on the combined gross income of both parents. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For official family law statutes, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and Virginia Beach General District Court website.
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 a complaint for divorce at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody orders.
- Complete discovery, including financial disclosures and asset valuations.
- Attend mediation (available but not mandatory in Virginia).
- Proceed to final hearing or trial for entry of the final divorce decree.
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve court costs and fees including filing fees, service fees, and potential Guardian ad Litem costs.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Timeline | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Service: $12-$100 | 2-4 months | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hr | 9-18 months | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Custody/Visitation | J&DR Court | ~$30 | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | 3-6 months | Va. Code § 20-124.2 |
| Child Support | J&DR Court | ~$30 | None | 2-4 months | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Spousal Support | Circuit Court | ~$86 | None | 3-6 months | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on complex family law cases. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted to practice in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
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. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). Our Virginia Beach family law lawyer near Virginia Beach is accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway). We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. 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. 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.
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.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.