Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific state codes. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Child custody uses the “best interests” standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support considers factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial divorce cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia divorce laws, see Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly).
For Virginia Beach court information, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file a Complaint for Divorce or other pleadings at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The other party is served with the complaint. They have 21 days to file an Answer. If children are involved, a Guardian ad Litem may be appointed.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Trial or Final Hearing: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge, who will decide all contested issues.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential support obligations, and equitable distribution of assets.
| Issue | Legal Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | Dissolution of Marriage | Filing fee: ~$86 + service fees | 6-month or 1-year separation required for no-fault |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | Fair, not equal, split | Division of assets/debts | Governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3 (amended by Mr. Sris) |
| Child Support | Monthly Obligation | Based on VA guidelines | Percentage of combined income | Enforceable by contempt |
| Spousal Support | Monthly Payment | Based on 13 factors | Duration varies | Modifiable upon changed circumstances |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are not guarantees.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct involvement in shaping state family law. 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
Virginia Beach Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include cases dismissed, charges reduced, and favorable settlements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Office
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 Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana.
We serve the 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. 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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
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 Resources
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County.
If you need other legal services in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.