Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law cases are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and support matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Our Richmond location serves clients throughout the Virginia Beach area by appointment.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by state code. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with a signed agreement and no minor children, or a 1-year separation otherwise. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction. Property division follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody and support are determined based on the child’s best interests and statutory guidelines.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia family law statutes.
- Virginia Beach General District Court – Court website for procedures and forms.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and support cases. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve issues without a trial.
- File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- The court will set dates for discovery deadlines, mediation, and potential trial.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Attempt to resolve issues through court-ordered or voluntary mediation.
- Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and, if necessary, a final trial before a judge.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, potential spousal support, and child support calculated using state guidelines.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (separation) or Fault-based | Filing fee: ~$86 + service costs | 6-month or 1-year separation required for no-fault |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of marital assets & debts | 11 statutory factors considered; separate property excluded |
| Child Support | Guideline-based (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Based on combined gross income & custody schedule | Medical and childcare expenses added |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary based on 13 factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent awards | Duration based on marriage length and need |
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
Virginia Beach 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana.
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
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 Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area in Virginia Beach.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our Of Counsel attorney.
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.