Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property acquired before marriage, through inheritance, or as a gift remains with the original owner.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Virginia Beach court information, forms, and procedures, see the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. 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.
- File the initial divorce complaint with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or negotiate a property settlement agreement to avoid trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties & Consequences
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves significant financial and custodial consequences under Virginia’s equitable distribution system.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Parenting Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair division of marital assets/debts | N/A | Business valuation may be required |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payments based on combined gross income | Primary custodial parent receives support | Guidelines calculator determines amount |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent payments | N/A | Duration based on marriage length |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Shared expenses | Legal & physical custody arrangements | Guardian ad Litem may be appointed |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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). With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our firm brings substantial knowledge to Virginia Beach family law matters. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes in divorce, custody, and equitable distribution matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway), Route 58, and Route 13 (Shore Drive). We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront/Boardwalk, Town Center, and Naval Air Station Oceana.
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.
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 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 and the child’s relationship with each parent. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
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 about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia family law hub page. If you need assistance in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law attorney. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI/DWI attorney. 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.