Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris, giving our firm direct insight into its application. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides forms, filing information, and local rules.
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. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint at Virginia Beach Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B) and pays the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party and await response: The complaint is served by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100). The other party has 21 days to respond.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody is needed, a pendente lite hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Negotiate settlement or proceed to trial: Attempt mediation or negotiation. If unresolved, the case proceeds to trial where a judge decides property division, support, and custody.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific filing costs and follows equitable distribution principles with child support calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Offense | Classification | Court Costs | Additional Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | $86 filing fee | Service fees: $12-$100 |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Temporary Relief | Additional court costs | Hearing preparation |
| Custody Evaluation | Best Interests Determination | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Psychological evaluation if ordered |
| Mediation | Alternative Dispute Resolution | $100-$300/hour per party | Facilitator fees |
| Complex Asset Division | Equitable Distribution | Forensic accountant: $150-$400/hour | Business valuation: $2,500-$10,000+ |
Results may vary. The costs and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving us direct insight into this critical area of family law. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 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. These results include divorces with favorable property division, child custody arrangements that serve the children’s best interests, and support orders that reflect accurate financial analysis.
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 (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We represent clients throughout the Virginia Beach area, including Sandbridge and Oceana. As a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront, we understand the unique needs of coastal community residents.
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.
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 about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Virginia Beach, we handle other legal matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.