Virginia Beach Family Law Lawyer – How Can We Protect Your Family’s Future?
Virginia family law covers divorce, child custody, spousal support, and property division. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles these cases, and outcomes depend on many factors specific to your situation.
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), Va. Code § 20-107.1 (spousal support), Va. Code § 20-107.2 (child support), Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of property), and Va. Code § 20-124.2 (best interests of the child factors for custody). These laws provide the framework for resolving family disputes in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) – The official Virginia General Assembly website for family law statutes.
- Virginia Beach Circuit Court – The official .gov website for the court handling family law cases in Virginia Beach.
The Family Law Process in Virginia Beach
Family law cases in Virginia Beach follow a structured process in the Circuit Court. Understanding local procedures can help manage expectations.
- Consultation & Case Evaluation: Discuss your goals and legal options with an attorney.
- Filing & Service: Your attorney files the initial complaint or petition and serves it on the other party.
- Discovery & Financial Disclosure: Both parties exchange financial information and other relevant documents.
- Negotiation & Mediation: Attempt to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody without a trial.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Hearings: Address interim matters like temporary support or custody orders.
- Trial or Final Settlement: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Virginia Beach, family law cases do not involve criminal penalties but determine critical life issues like asset division, financial support, and child custody arrangements.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, but not necessarily equal, division of marital property and debts. |
| Spousal Support | Based on Need & Ability to Pay (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support payments, amount and duration vary. |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.2) | Legal and physical custody orders defining parenting time and decision-making. |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-107.2) | Monthly support payments based on parents’ incomes and custody arrangement. |
Results may vary. Each family law case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
Our Experience in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, we bring substantial knowledge to your family law matter. Our firm’s tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach. Notably, Mr. Sris personally contributed to the amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Virginia recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds. The most common no-fault ground is living separate and apart for one year (or six months with a separation agreement and no minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
How is child custody determined in Virginia Beach?
The Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court determines custody based on the child’s best interests. Factors include the child’s age, each parent’s ability to care for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s reasonable preference if mature enough.
What factors affect spousal support in Virginia?
Virginia courts consider many factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources and earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, and each spouse’s contributions to the family’s well-being.
How is property divided in a Virginia divorce?
Virginia follows the principle of equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This does not mean equal. The court classifies property as marital or separate, then divides marital property fairly based on factors like each spouse’s contributions and the marriage’s circumstances.
Can a custody or support order be modified?
Yes. A material change in circumstances must be shown. For child support, a change in either parent’s income or the child’s needs may justify modification. For custody, a change affecting the child’s best interests is required. The process involves filing a petition with the court.
Family Law Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our firm serves clients throughout the Virginia Beach area and surrounding communities. We are accessible to residents of Hampton Roads.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations – (888) 437-7747 – meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Phone: (888) 437-7747
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state-level hub page for family law.
- Norfolk Family Law Lawyer – Serving the neighboring city of Norfolk.
- Virginia Beach Divorce Lawyer – Focused divorce representation in Virginia Beach.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about the managing attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.