Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters are governed by statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach, providing full representation for divorce, custody, and support. Our firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, based on 11 factors outlined in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Divorce grounds.
- Virginia Beach General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
Virginia Beach Family Law Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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 complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to a bench trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge for a final decision.
Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law involves equitable distribution of property, child support based on state guidelines, and potential spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, division of marital property | 11 factors considered; separate property excluded |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly payment based on combined income & custody | Guidelines calculator used by court |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support possible | Based on need and ability to pay |
| Divorce Waiting Period | No-fault Separation | 6 months (no minor children) or 1 year | Fault grounds have no waiting period |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts.
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 and a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is: 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 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 in this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Virginia Beach
Our Richmond Location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). 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. 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 Resources
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.