Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled by the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We handle the details of your case with a case-specific approach.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Virginia Beach Family Law Process
The Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint for divorce with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff or process server.
- Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery and mediation.
- Exchange financial documents and participate in mediation to attempt settlement.
- If settlement fails, prepare for trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge.
- Obtain the court’s final decree addressing all issues.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce and family law matters involve court costs, not criminal penalties. Equitable distribution divides marital property fairly based on statutory factors.
| Offense/Matter | Classification | Court Costs/Fees | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Civil Action | ~$86 filing + service fees | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Civil Action | Filing fees + discovery/mediation costs | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody (J&DR) | Civil Action | Filing fees + possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Varies |
| Equitable Distribution | Civil Action | Filing fees + possible business valuation costs | 12-24 months if complex |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
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 legal experience. Mr. Sris personally helped amend Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our approach 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Family Law Service
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264 and I-64. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana. We serve Virginia Beach, 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. 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 Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer (Parent Hub)
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer (Sibling Locality)
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer (Related PA)
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.