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, requiring either a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault grounds. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented family law results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not automatically 50/50. The primary statute is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official resources: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) and the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
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 to assess your case under Virginia law.
- File a divorce complaint at Virginia Beach Circuit Court with the $86 fee.
- Exchange financial disclosures and negotiate a settlement agreement.
- Attend court hearings for temporary orders or finalize the divorce decree.
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific procedural requirements and financial obligations rather than criminal penalties.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault separation required | $86 filing fee + service costs | 2-24 months |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (11 factors) | Varies by asset complexity | Through settlement or trial |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payments calculated | Established at filing |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors considered | Temporary or permanent awards | Determined pendente lite or final |
Results may vary based on individual case facts.
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 helped amend Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our Virginia Beach family law practice unique insight into property division 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
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.
Results may vary based on individual case facts.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 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). 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.
For more information, see our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.