Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach 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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division cases filed at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children before filing.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia Beach is defined by several key statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes divorce grounds, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the best interests factors for child custody determinations. Va. Code § 20-108.1 provides the guidelines for child support calculations based on combined gross income.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
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.
- File a divorce complaint, custody petition, or support motion at Virginia Beach Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
- Ensure proper service of process through sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody orders are needed.
- Participate in discovery, financial disclosure, and negotiation toward settlement.
- Attend final uncontested hearing or contested trial to obtain the decree.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters follow equitable distribution principles with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault: 6-month/1-year separation; Fault: adultery, cruelty, desertion, felony | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 2-4 months (uncontested); 9-18 months (contested) |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | 12-24 months (complex) |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Virginia Beach J&DR Court | Varies by complexity |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Virginia Beach J&DR Court | Establishment: 1-3 months |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Determined at final hearing |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
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. These results include divorces resolved through settlement agreements, custody arrangements established in the child’s best interests, and equitable distribution of complex marital estates.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Local Virginia Beach Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We provide family law lawyer services near 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.
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 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 and the child’s relationship with each parent.
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).
Related Legal Services
For more information on family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby localities, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys’ backgrounds and experience.
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.