Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, providing unique insight into its application.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Virginia Beach General District Court website provides local forms and procedures.
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- File initial complaint at Virginia Beach Circuit Court with required filing fees.
- Serve the other party through sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if temporary orders are needed (within 21-60 days of motion).
- Complete discovery including financial disclosures and required information exchange.
- Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without trial.
- Proceed to trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge if settlement fails.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries specific filing costs and follows equitable distribution principles with no-fault divorce available after 6-month or 1-year separation periods.
| Offense | Classification | Court Costs | Timeline | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | $86 filing + service fees | 2-4 months | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | $86+ plus discovery costs | 9-18 months | Proof of grounds if fault-based |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | $86+ plus experienced fees | 12-24 months | Business valuation often required |
| Child Custody Case | Best interests standard | $86+ plus GAL fees | 6-12 months | Guardian ad Litem if contested |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our firm brings substantial resources to Virginia Beach family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases.
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. Our experience includes successful divorce settlements, custody arrangements, and property division cases in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Local Virginia Beach Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264 and I-64. We provide family law lawyer services near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and surrounding communities including Sandbridge and Oceana.
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 (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.
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
For more information, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Virginia Beach, we also handle criminal defense cases and DUI/DWI matters.
Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience or visit our Richmond office location page.
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.