In Virginia Beach, family law matters such as divorce and custody are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). 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. Child support follows Virginia guidelines under § 20-108.1 based on combined gross income.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Review the official statute: Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website for local 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- File a complaint for divorce at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B).
- 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 (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended; $100-$300/hour per party).
- Negotiate a property settlement agreement or proceed to trial.
- Obtain final decree of divorce (uncontested: 2-4 months; contested: 9-18 months).
In Virginia Beach, family law outcomes depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Equitable distribution, custody, and support are determined by statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Factors | Key Statute | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault; 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year (with minor children) | 2-4 months from filing | Filing fee ~$86; service ~$12-$100 | Va. Code § 20-91 | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | Attorney fees; discovery costs | Va. Code § 20-91 | May require trial |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies; pendente lite within 21-60 days | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | J&DR Court for standalone custody |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing; modifiable | Guideline calculation | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Includes health insurance and childcare |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies; modifiable | Based on need and ability to pay | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration depends on marriage length |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division; 11 factors | Part of divorce process | Business valuation; forensic accounting | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Mr. Sris personally amended this statute |
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, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in all Virginia divorces. This achievement is a unique differentiator in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on complex family law cases. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and brings over 25 years of experience to Virginia Beach family law matters.
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. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ 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). The court is accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Family law lawyer near Virginia Beach: We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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. 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.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach, we can help. View our attorney profile or visit our Richmond office location.
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.