Virginia Beach Family Law Lawyer — How Can We Protect Your Family?
Virginia Beach family law matters, governed by statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution, require careful handling. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases in Virginia Beach City. Our firm, founded in 1997, uses its experience to handle the details of your family law situation. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, Va. Code § 20-124.2 for child custody factors, and Va. Code § 20-107.1 for spousal support. These laws provide the framework for resolving family disputes in Virginia Beach courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20). For local court procedures and forms, refer to the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Family law cases in Virginia Beach City are heard in the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for matters involving children, and the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution. The process involves filing pleadings, financial disclosure, and often court-ordered mediation.
- File a complaint or petition with the court clerk and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the other party with the court documents.
- Attend preliminary hearings and complete mandatory financial disclosures.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation or settlement conferences.
- If no settlement, prepare for and attend a bench trial before a judge.
- Obtain and comply with the court’s final order.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Virginia Beach, family law cases do not carry criminal penalties like incarceration, but court orders for support, custody, and property division have significant financial and personal consequences.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Potential Outcomes | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | Equitable Distribution | Division of marital assets/debts | Varies by asset value |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Legal & physical custody orders | Parenting time schedule |
| Child Support | VA Guidelines | Monthly payment order | Based on income & custody |
| Spousal Support | Va. Code § 20-107.1 Factors | Temporary or permanent support | Based on need & ability to pay |
Results may vary. Each family law case depends on its specific facts and circumstances.
Our Experience in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a distinct perspective to Virginia Beach family law. Founded in 1997, our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving us direct insight into the equitable distribution framework used by Virginia Beach courts. Our approach is case-specific, built on understanding both the law and the local court procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Virginia allows both fault and no-fault divorce. The most common no-fault ground is living separate and apart for one year (or six months with no minor children and a separation agreement). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
How is child custody determined in Virginia Beach?
The Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court decides custody based on the child’s best interests. Factors include each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s reasonable preference if they are of sufficient age and maturity.
What factors affect spousal support in Virginia?
Courts consider many factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the marital standard of living, each spouse’s earning capacity, the length of the marriage, and each party’s contributions to the family’s well-being. Support can be temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent.
How is property divided in a Virginia divorce?
Virginia follows the principle of equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This does not mean a 50/50 split. The court classifies property as marital or separate and divides marital property fairly based on factors like each spouse’s contributions and economic circumstances.
Can I modify a child support order in Virginia Beach?
Yes. You can request a modification if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in either parent’s income, the child’s needs, or the custody arrangement. You must file a petition with the court that issued the original order.
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved favorable outcomes in family law cases firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our documented results include cases where custody arrangements were successfully negotiated and property division disputes were resolved.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Virginia Beach location serves clients throughout Virginia Beach City and surrounding communities like Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. We are accessible via I-264 and the Virginia Beach Expressway.
Virginia Beach family law lawyer near the Virginia Beach Courthouse. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Beach, VA
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in Virginia Beach and immigration matters in Virginia Beach. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.