In Virginia Beach, Virginia 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 family law operates under the equitable distribution principle, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles divorces, equitable distribution, and spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Virginia requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when no minor children are involved, or 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 statutory factors. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For official legal references, consult Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) — official Virginia General Assembly and the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Circuit Court requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory. Forensic accountants are used for complex marital estates.
- 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 if needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation to attempt settlement of property, custody, and support issues.
- If unresolved, proceed to trial for the court to divide assets under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
- Receive final decree of divorce after the court approves the settlement or issues a ruling.
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve no criminal penalties but carry significant financial and custodial consequences.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of court (failure to pay support) | Civil/Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax intercept, passport denial |
| Violation of protective order | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential jail time |
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 how Virginia courts divide marital property in divorce. This legislative 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 all Virginia Beach family law cases. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, founded the firm in 1997, and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted to practice in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
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 is approximately 100 miles from the Virginia Beach General District Court, accessible via I-64 and I-264. If you need a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, we serve clients throughout the Hampton Roads area. We serve 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
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
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: 12-24 months. 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?
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. Total costs vary based on complexity and whether the case is contested.
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 from division.
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. Fault grounds may affect spousal support and equitable distribution.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve Henrico County family law clients and Chesterfield County family law clients. If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach, we can help. View our attorney profiles and 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 current guidance.