Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. We handle cases at Virginia Beach Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This amendment reflects his deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
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: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee (approximately $86).
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff ($12), private process server ($50-$100), or through their attorney if they have one.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions if needed. Complex cases may require business valuation or forensic accounting.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge who will decide all contested issues.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters follow equitable distribution principles with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after separation; fault grounds available | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-24 months (contested) | Filing: ~$86; Service: $12-$100 |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Determined during divorce proceedings | Valuation experts: $2,500-$10,000+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Standalone: 3-6 months; Within divorce: case duration | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Establishment: 1-3 months; Modification: 2-4 months | Court costs: ~$86 |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary: 21-60 days; Permanent: case duration | Court costs: ~$86 |
Results may vary based on case specifics. The information above provides general guidelines.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our 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 involvement in Virginia family law development. Our firm follows the principle: “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 Family Law 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. These results include divorces with complex property division, child custody determinations, and support modifications handled at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We represent clients throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana, accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44.
As a Virginia Beach family law lawyer near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center, we provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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
For more information about family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal services in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
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.