Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system (Va. Code § 20-107.3) where marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally. Divorce requires either a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 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 Virginia divorce statutes, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Virginia Beach court website provides forms and local rules: Virginia Beach General District Court.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. 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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and legal options.
- Collect financial records, asset documentation, and any relevant agreements for full disclosure to the court.
- File the divorce complaint or other initiating pleading at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party with the filed documents and await their response within 21 days.
- Exchange information through discovery and engage in settlement negotiations or mediation to resolve issues.
- Prepare for trial or final hearing if settlement is not reached, presenting evidence and arguments to the judge.
Virginia Beach Family Law Outcomes
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific requirements and potential outcomes based on Virginia’s equitable distribution system and child support guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Established at filing or hearing | Court costs + possible modification fees |
| Custody Determination | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies by complexity | Possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
Results may vary based on individual case facts and court decisions.
Virginia Beach Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has achieved 8 documented family law results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these 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 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 these Virginia Beach cases. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary based on individual case facts and court decisions.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. As a Virginia Beach family law lawyer near the Oceanfront and Town Center, we represent clients throughout 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). Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all property division.
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 Virginia family law, see our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Virginia Beach, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. 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.