Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. This means marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 statutory factors. Child custody follows the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and child support uses statewide guidelines.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, see the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support cases.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint at Virginia Beach Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B) with the required $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party with legal papers: The sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) delivers the complaint to your spouse, starting the legal timeline.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody is needed, a pendente lite hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Negotiate settlement or proceed to trial: Attempt mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or negotiation. If unresolved, the case proceeds to trial before a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs, potential spousal support, and equitable distribution of marital assets.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | Civil Proceeding | None | Court fees: ~$86 filing + service | None | Property division, possible support orders |
| Divorce (Contested) | Civil Proceeding | None | Court fees + attorney costs | None | Equitable distribution, custody determination, support orders |
| Child Support Non-Payment | Contempt of Court | Up to 12 months | Fines + arrears | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax intercept |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Beach Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide global advocacy with local precision for Virginia Beach family law matters.
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 Family Law 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 attorneys have successfully handled divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center.
We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities.
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
For more information on family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
We also serve nearby localities: Henrico County Family Law Lawyer and Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer.
In Virginia Beach, we handle other legal matters: Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer and Virginia Beach DUI/DWI Lawyer.
Learn more about our attorneys and our Richmond office location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.