Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters are governed by statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and § 20-91 (divorce grounds). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach, providing full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases. Our Richmond location serves clients throughout the Virginia Beach area.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia Beach is defined by the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91, which establishes grounds for divorce, and Va. Code § 20-107.3, which governs the equitable distribution of marital property. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into this critical statute. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests, while child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
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 Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to 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. 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.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100) to establish jurisdiction.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a pendente lite motion; hearings are typically set within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to resolve issues without trial.
- Proceed to final hearing or trial: If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to a final hearing before a judge for resolution of all contested issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law follows equitable distribution principles with no-fault divorce available after a 6-month separation (no minor children) or a 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or Fault-based | Filing fee: ~$86 + service costs | 6-month or 1-year separation required for no-fault |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division per 11 factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Varies by marital estate value | Separate property excluded; forensic accounting may be needed |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on combined income (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly obligation based on calculator | Health insurance and childcare costs factored in |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent award | Duration tied to length of marriage |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are not guarantees.
Firm Credentials and Authority
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 our Virginia Beach clients with representation grounded in direct legislative experience.
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 handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, serving the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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). 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.
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, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with other matters, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer page. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.