Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled by the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. We help you understand the legal process and protect your rights.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce if you have no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia is governed by state code. Divorce grounds are defined in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows the equitable distribution principles of Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using statewide guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). For court forms, procedures, and contact information, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Law Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your case with an attorney and gather necessary documents like tax returns and bank statements.
- Filing: Your attorney files the complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court and serves the other party.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange financial information through formal requests.
- Negotiation/Settlement: Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on all issues, including a property settlement agreement.
- Court Proceedings: Attend hearings for temporary orders, and if no settlement, prepare for trial.
- Final Decree: The court enters a final decree of divorce and orders on property, support, and custody.
Potential Outcomes in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, family law cases involve equitable distribution of property, potential spousal support based on 13 factors, and child support calculated using state guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Court Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or Fault | Dissolution of marriage | ~$86 filing fee + service fees |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (11 factors) | Fair, not equal, division of marital property | Valuation experienced fees may apply |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support orders | Court costs for support hearings |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (10 factors) | Legal & physical custody arrangements | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly support based on income shares | Minimal court cost for establishment |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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. Our approach is case-specific, built on direct legal 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
Case Results in Virginia Beach
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 we have handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
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 areas. 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 a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing. Contested divorces typically take 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period before filing for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Virginia Beach Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), potential Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases are filed in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment of one year or more.
Related Legal Information
For more on Virginia family law, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you have other legal needs in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.