Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
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, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months without minor children or 1 year with children) and fault 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 § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Equitable distribution statute.
- Virginia Beach General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Consult with an attorney to evaluate your case and goals.
- File the appropriate complaint (divorce, custody, etc.) at the correct court with required fees.
- Serve the other party with legal papers following Virginia rules.
- Participate in discovery, mediation if ordered, and any pendente lite hearings.
- Negotiate a settlement or proceed to trial if agreement cannot be reached.
- Obtain the final court order and ensure proper implementation.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce and family law matters involve court costs, potential support obligations, and property division based on equitable distribution principles.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | Filing: ~$86 + service | 6-month/1-year separation required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees | Discovery, hearings, possible trial |
| Child Support | Guideline-based | Establish at filing | Court costs | Based on combined income & Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing + valuation experts | 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
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 attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
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 locally.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
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?
Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing. Contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support are usually set within 21-60 days.
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). Attorney fees vary by 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 (pre-marriage, 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, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationships. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody; Circuit Court handles custody within divorce 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 1 year, or felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Filed at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving nearby locality.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area in Virginia Beach.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
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.