Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and Va. Code § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This amendment reflects his deep involvement in shaping family law in Virginia.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current statutory language, refer to the official Virginia General Assembly website: Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). Court procedures and forms are available through the Virginia Beach court website: Virginia Beach General District Court.
Virginia Beach Family Law Procedures
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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter and review your options.
- Prepare and file the necessary pleadings with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, paying the required filing fees.
- Engage in the discovery process to gather evidence and attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation.
- Attend scheduled court hearings and prepare for trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
- Obtain a final court order or decree resolving all issues, including property division, support, and custody.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters follow equitable distribution principles with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after separation; fault grounds available | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 2-24 months |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 6-24 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Virginia Beach J&DR Court | 3-12 months |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Virginia Beach J&DR Court | 1-3 months |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 3-12 months |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision.” reflects our approach to family law representation. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates our firm’s substantive impact on 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
Case Results in Virginia Beach
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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Local Representation in Virginia Beach
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront/Boardwalk and Town Center. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana 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 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).
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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile | Richmond Office Location
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.