Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach, providing full representation for divorce, custody, and support issues. Our firm, founded in 1997, uses a case-specific approach to handle the details of your family law case in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not automatically 50/50.
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), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on best interests of the child), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Virginia Beach Family Law 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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific Virginia laws that apply.
- File the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the required filing fee.
- Participate in the formal discovery process, which may include interrogatories, requests for documents, and depositions to gather financial and other relevant information.
- Engage in settlement discussions or mediation to try to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody without a trial.
- If settlement fails, prepare for trial by organizing evidence, identifying witnesses, and developing legal arguments for presentation before the judge.
- Address any post-trial motions and, if necessary, take steps to enforce the final court order regarding support, custody, or property division.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters follow equitable distribution principles; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (separation) | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 9-18 months | May involve discovery, hearings, trial |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | VA Beach J&DR or Circuit Court | Varies | Primary caregiver history is significant |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 12-24 months if complex | Marital vs. separate property distinction |
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. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, serving 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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
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). Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
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. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
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
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.