Virginia Beach family law matters fall under Virginia’s equitable distribution system (Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. The Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway handles divorce and property division cases.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Virginia Beach
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly — not necessarily 50/50. The primary statute governing divorce is Va. Code § 20-91, which establishes both no-fault and fault grounds. 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 one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which lists 10 factors the court must consider. Child support is calculated using Virginia’s guidelines based on combined gross income of both parents. Spousal support (alimony) is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — Title 20
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. This amendment represents a significant contribution to Virginia family law that no other firm can claim.
For the official text of Virginia’s divorce and family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court procedures and forms, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Insider Perspective on Virginia Beach Family Court
Virginia Beach Circuit Court requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. This is a procedural requirement many self-represented parties miss.
A properly drafted property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without a trial, saving months of litigation.
Forensic accountants and business valuators are frequently used in Virginia Beach for complex marital estates involving businesses or professional practices.
- File a complaint for divorce at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B). Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service (approximately $12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed. Hearings are typically set within 21-60 days of filing.
- Exchange financial disclosures including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements.
- Attend mediation to attempt settlement on property division, support, and custody issues.
- If no settlement is reached, proceed to trial for the court to decide all unresolved issues.
In Virginia Beach, family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support under Virginia guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Key Statute | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation (no minor children) | 2-4 months from filing | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-91 | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-91 | May require trial |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies | J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Standalone custody in J&DR; within divorce in Circuit Court |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing | J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary or permanent depending on circumstances |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (11 factors) | Within divorce case | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Separate property excluded |
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 over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a landmark achievement that directly benefits every family law client in Virginia Beach. This amendment changed how marital property is divided in Virginia, and no other attorney in the state can claim this distinction.
The firm’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects its commitment to providing high-quality legal representation regardless of case complexity.
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. These results demonstrate the firm’s commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients in the Virginia Beach area.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). The courts are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (Virginia Beach Expressway).
We serve the communities of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Virginia Beach
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes, timelines vary significantly. 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?
It depends on the complexity. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and 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 from division.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends 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.
Can I modify a child support order in Virginia Beach?
Yes, if there has been a material change in circumstances. Common grounds include loss of job, significant income change, or changes in custody arrangements. File a motion in Virginia Beach J&DR Court or Circuit Court depending on which court issued the original order.
Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer — Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer — Virginia Beach DUI Lawyer
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.