Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws 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. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce if you have no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Family law matters in Virginia Beach are controlled by Virginia state statutes. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, based on 11 statutory factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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 divorce cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Virginia Beach court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
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.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a Complaint for Divorce with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and serving the other party.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Hearings and Trial: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a Circuit Court judge for a final decision.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, filing fees, and potential financial obligations for support and property division.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + attorney fees + possible experienced costs | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-Asset | 12-24 months | $86 filing + forensic accountant + business valuator | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Best Interests | Varies | Filing fee + possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Virginia Beach J&DR Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Beach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to Virginia Beach family law cases. Founded in 1997, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our team direct insight into the law’s application. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to Virginia Beach cases.
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters handled. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes in Virginia Beach Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations 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, accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. As a Virginia Beach family law lawyer near the Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana, we serve the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities. We offer 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 for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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 across 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.