Virginia Beach family law matters are governed by equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Virginia Beach. Your case requires a case-specific approach from a former prosecutor.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, or gifts — is excluded from division. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children exist and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Review the official statutes: Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) and the Virginia Beach General District Court website for local procedures.
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File a complaint for divorce at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended; $100-$300/hour per party).
- Finalize the divorce through a hearing or signed property settlement agreement.
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support, and spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Classification | Standard | Timeline | Cost | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months from filing | ~$86 filing fee | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | Varies by grounds | 9-18 months | ~$86 + additional costs | May require trial |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | J&DR Court handles standalone custody |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Ongoing | Varies by income | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Varies | Varies by income | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results in Virginia Beach across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). The Richmond office is accessible via I-64 and I-264.
Family law lawyer near Virginia Beach — serving Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. 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. 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 (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.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. See also our Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer pages. For related services in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer and Virginia Beach DUI lawyer pages.
Learn more about our team: Bryan Block, Former Virginia State Trooper.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.