Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. Our firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
In Virginia Beach, divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.3 (child custody best interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
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 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to 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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation: Meet with an attorney to discuss your case, Virginia’s legal requirements, and your goals.
- Filing: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the correct Virginia Beach court and pays the filing fee.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange financial disclosures, documents, and other evidence through formal legal discovery.
- Negotiation & Mediation: Your attorney negotiates for a settlement. The court may order mediation to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Court Hearings: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders (pendente lite) or other pre-trial matters.
- Trial or Final Agreement: If a settlement is reached, a final agreement is signed and presented to the court. If not, the case proceeds to trial for a judge to decide.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Key standards include: equitable distribution of property, child support based on state guidelines, and custody based on the child’s best interests.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault based on separation period | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | VA Beach J&DR Court / Circuit Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | VA Beach J&DR Court / Circuit Court | Establishment: 1-3 months |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 12-24 months if complex |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm direct insight into this critical area of family law. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across our firm’s firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results.
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 for family law matters in this locality. These results include favorable settlements and court rulings in divorce, custody, and property division cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Representation
Our Richmond Location serves clients with matters at Virginia Beach courts. We represent clients throughout the Virginia Beach area, including Sandbridge and Oceana. Our family law lawyers near Virginia Beach are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44.
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. 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?
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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.