Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes, including Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, custody, support, and property division. Our Richmond location serves Virginia Beach clients by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
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 Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, fees, and procedural information.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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.
- Consult with an attorney to assess your grounds for divorce and immediate needs.
- File a complaint for divorce with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through a sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Engage in discovery if the divorce is contested, which may include financial disclosures and depositions.
- Attend mediation or settlement conferences to attempt resolution without trial.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial before a judge if settlement is not reached.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, divorce and family law matters follow equitable distribution principles, with child support calculated using state guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Offense/Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fees | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | 9-18 months | ~$86 + motion costs | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Asset Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Court costs + experienced fees | Business valuation, retirement assets |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Filing fees + GAL fees | 10 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing direct insight into property division 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 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-64 and I-264. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana. We serve 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation or retirement assets can take 12-24 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion costs, Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property 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, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. 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 agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information on family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.