Virginia Beach family law matters include divorce, custody, and support under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Virginia Beach. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Beach Family Law: Statutes and Legal Standards
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court applies 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and a signed separation agreement exists, 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 1+ year imprisonment. Child support follows Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income under Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ total case results across all practice areas.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) — official Virginia General Assembly and the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Virginia Beach Family Law Cases
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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File a complaint for divorce at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B).
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support or custody if needed.
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Present the agreement or proceed to trial for contested issues.
- Receive the final decree of divorce from the court.
In Virginia Beach, family law cases involve no criminal penalties but carry significant financial and custodial consequences under Virginia law.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault; 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year (with minor children) | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees + GAL costs | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies; pendente lite hearing in 21-60 days | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing until child emancipates | Varies by income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Duration varies | Varies by income and need | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors; fair but not necessarily equal | Within divorce timeline | Forensic accountant: $5,000-$20,000+ | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Virginia Beach Family Law Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years of combined attorney experience to every case. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a landmark achievement that demonstrates deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Virginia Beach, the firm has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also handles Virginia Beach family law cases. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Virginia Beach 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Virginia Beach Family Law Services
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). The court is accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Searching for a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach? We serve clients throughout the area.
Neighborhoods served: Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Virginia Beach
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. 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?
It depends. 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.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
It depends. 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.
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.
Learn more about our Virginia family law services. We also serve Henrico County family law clients and Chesterfield County family law clients. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer and Virginia Beach DUI lawyer pages.