Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented family law results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, custody, and property division matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. This statute governs how marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, considering 11 factors including each spouse’s contributions and economic circumstances. Child custody decisions follow Va. Code § 20-124.3, focusing on the child’s best interests.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Review the official Virginia family law statutes: Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds). For Virginia Beach court procedures, 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 at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support cases. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- File a divorce complaint with Virginia Beach Circuit Court with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service or private process server.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days if temporary support or custody is needed.
- Complete financial disclosures and participate in discovery if the divorce is contested.
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court to attempt settlement.
- Proceed to trial if no agreement is reached on all issues.
Virginia Beach Divorce Requirements and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period and involves court costs starting at approximately $86 for filing.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault grounds available: adultery, cruelty, desertion | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months if complex | Valuation experts: $2,500+ | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Virginia Beach J&DR Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. We provide case-specific approaches to Virginia Beach family law matters.
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 Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented family law case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented results across all practice areas in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-264 and I-64. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana, serving 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.
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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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).
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). Filed at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, 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 lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background 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.