Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce, custody, and property division, are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for Virginia Beach Circuit Court and J&DR Court proceedings. We handle contested and uncontested divorces, child support, and complex equitable distribution cases.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. 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 Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) – Official Virginia family law statutes.
- Virginia Beach General District Court – Official court website for case information and procedures.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, child support, and protective orders. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve issues without trial.
- Consult with an attorney to assess your grounds for divorce and immediate needs like temporary support.
- File the initial complaint (and motions for pendente lite relief if needed) at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse and begin the discovery process for financial and custody matters.
- Attend mandatory settlement conferences or mediation sessions ordered by the court.
- Prepare for and attend final hearing or trial if settlement is not reached.
- Obtain and file the final decree of divorce from the court.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce does not carry criminal penalties but involves court costs, potential support obligations, and property division under equitable distribution principles.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | Filing: ~$86 + service fees | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | No-Fault or Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney costs + possible experienced fees | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Virginia Beach J&DR Court |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | 12-24 months (complex) | Filing fees + business valuation/forensic accountant fees | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
Results may vary. The costs and timelines above are estimates based on typical Virginia Beach cases.
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 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 handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts, 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. Available for 24/7 phone consultations at (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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period before filing for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Total cost depends on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritance, is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 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 cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for family law across Virginia.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in a nearby Virginia locality.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same city.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
- Richmond Office Location – Details about our serving location for Virginia Beach.
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.