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 under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Virginia Beach
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Divorce grounds include no-fault separation and fault-based reasons like adultery or cruelty. Child custody decisions follow the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Virginia Beach court information, visit 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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation.
- Collect financial records, asset documentation, and any relevant agreements.
- File the divorce complaint at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court with the required $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse. They have 21 days to respond if served in Virginia.
- Exchange information through discovery. Negotiate settlement using Virginia’s statutory factors.
- Attend the final hearing if uncontested, or proceed to trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters follow equitable distribution standards; no-fault divorce requires 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault separation or fault grounds | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 2-24 months |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (11 factors) | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 9-24 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | VA Beach J&DR Court / Circuit Court | 3-12 months |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | VA Beach J&DR Court / Circuit Court | 1-3 months |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 6-18 months |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Virginia Beach Family Law Experience
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. This direct involvement with Virginia family law provides unique insight for 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 documented case results in Virginia Beach across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters handled.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Family Law Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We represent clients throughout the Virginia Beach area and surrounding communities.
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.
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).
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.
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 in Virginia, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
For family law assistance in nearby areas: Henrico County Family Law Lawyer and Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer.
For other legal services in Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer and Virginia Beach DUI/DWI Lawyer.
Learn more about our attorneys’ 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.