In Virginia Beach, Virginia, divorce and family law matters fall under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution, personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Your family law case deserves a Private Adoption Lawyer Virginia Beach who understands local court procedures.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court considers 11 factors for property division. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving him unique insight into its application. For no-fault divorce, Virginia requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and a signed separation agreement exists, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the best interests of the child, considering 10 factors. Child support follows Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court information, see the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
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. A property settlement agreement (separation agreement) signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File a divorce complaint at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B) with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended; $100-$300/hour per party).
- Sign a property settlement agreement if both parties agree on all terms.
- Attend the uncontested divorce hearing with a corroborating witness, or proceed to trial if contested.
In Virginia Beach, family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and support calculations under Virginia statutory guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Factors | Court | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year (with minor children) | 2-4 months from filing | $86 filing fee + $12 sheriff service | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Requires signed separation agreement and corroborating witness |
| Contested Divorce | Same separation requirements; fault grounds available | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs + attorney fees | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | May require experienced witnesses for business valuation |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies; emergency custody within days | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | J&DR Court (standalone) or Circuit Court (within divorce) | Court considers each parent’s role and child’s relationship |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing until child emancipates | Modification possible with change in circumstances | J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Includes health insurance and childcare costs |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration varies; modifiable | Based on need and ability to pay | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Can be lump sum or periodic payments |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other family law attorney in Virginia can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” In Virginia Beach, the firm has 8 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Mr. Sris (Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney) also handles Virginia Beach family law cases. He is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted to practice in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results in Virginia Beach across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B). The Richmond office is accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway), Route 58, and Route 13 (Shore Drive).
Looking for a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach? We serve clients throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. 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?
It depends. 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). Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all property division. 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.