Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled by the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. We offer a case-specific approach to handle the details of your family law case.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Virginia Family Law Statutes and Definitions
Family law in Virginia Beach is governed by the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. This direct involvement with the law provides a distinct perspective on property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and contact details for the court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway.
Virginia Beach Family Law 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. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a Complaint for Divorce at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The other party is served. They have 21 days to file an Answer. Settlement negotiations may begin.
- Discovery and Temporary Hearings: If contested, both sides exchange financial information. Pendente lite hearings for temporary matters can be set within 21-60 days of a motion.
- Settlement or Trial: Parties may reach a settlement via mediation. If not, the case proceeds to trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge.
Penalties, Timelines, and Costs in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves specific waiting periods, court costs, and potential financial obligations like child support and spousal support.
| Offense / Matter | Classification / Grounds | Waiting Period / Timeline | Court Costs & Fees | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Divorce | Separation | 6 months (no minor children + agreement) or 1 year | ~$86 filing fee + service fees | Equitable distribution of assets/debts |
| Fault Divorce | Adultery, Cruelty, Desertion, Felony | No waiting period for adultery; 1 year for desertion | ~$86 filing fee + service fees | May affect spousal support awards |
| Child Support | Guideline calculation | Order established at hearing | Motion filing fees may apply | Income withholding, license suspension for arrears |
| Contempt | Violation of court order | Hearing scheduled by motion | Motion filing fee | Fines, attorney fees, possible jail time |
Results may vary. The information above is based on Virginia law and typical Virginia Beach Circuit Court procedures. Each case is unique.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law.
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 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 these matters. These results include cases involving divorce, child custody modifications, and property settlement agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264 and I-64. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. We serve the Virginia Beach area and surrounding communities.
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 a signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Virginia Beach Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with an agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Mr. Sris Profile
Last verification: February 2026. Information updated as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.