Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented family law results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court applies these laws to local cases.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires either a 6-month separation with a signed agreement and no minor children, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
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.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint with Virginia Beach Circuit Court: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
- Serve the other party and await response: The complaint must be served on your spouse. They have 21 days to respond if served in Virginia, or 60 days if served out of state.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed during the divorce, a pendente lite hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and settlement negotiations: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Final hearing or trial: If settlement is reached, a final uncontested hearing is scheduled. If not, the case proceeds to trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Consequences
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific financial and legal consequences including equitable distribution of marital property, potential spousal support, and child support obligations calculated using Virginia guidelines.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs | 2-4 months | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | Court fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs | 9-18 months | Discovery process, possible trial |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | Business valuation: $2,500-$10,000+ | 12-24 months | Forensic accounting may be required |
| Child Custody Dispute | Best interests standard | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Varies by complexity | Parenting plan required |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Virginia Beach 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 brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Virginia Beach family law cases. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across our practice.
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 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 for family law matters. These results include successful property division settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and resolved support matters.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway), Route 58, and Route 13 (Shore Drive). As a Virginia Beach family law lawyer near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center, we serve 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; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
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.
Related Virginia Legal Resources
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need assistance 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/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys’ 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.