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, providing full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. Our Richmond location serves clients throughout the Virginia Beach area by appointment.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia Beach is governed by state statutes. Divorce requires grounds such as a separation period (6 months with agreement, 1 year otherwise), adultery, cruelty, or desertion (Va. Code § 20-91). Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests (Va. Code § 20-124.3), and child support follows statewide guidelines (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 Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Law Process
The Virginia Beach Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Standalone custody, child support, and protective orders are filed in the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. 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. Begin gathering financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Proceedings: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and, if necessary, a final trial before a judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, divorce and family law matters involve specific costs and timelines, not criminal penalties. An uncontested divorce with an agreement can take 2-4 months, while a contested case may last 9-18 months or longer for complex assets.
| Matter | Classification | Typical Timeline | Primary Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | Filing fee: ~$86 + service | Virginia Beach Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees, discovery, possible trial costs | Virginia Beach Circuit |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Best Interests Determination | 3-9 months | Filing fee, Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Virginia Beach J&DR |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | 12-24 months | Filing fees, forensic accountant, business valuation | Virginia Beach Circuit |
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 brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law.
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 these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach, serving the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities. 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 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?
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.
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.
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, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal assistance 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.