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, providing full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases. Our firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia Beach operates under the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation with minor children.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (law.lis.virginia.gov). For court-specific procedures and forms, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B. 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.
- 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 and await response: The complaint is served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100). They have 21 days to respond.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, a pendente lite hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Negotiate settlement or proceed to trial: Attempt mediation or negotiation to reach a property settlement agreement. If no agreement, the case proceeds to trial for the judge to decide.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties, with divorce filing fees starting at approximately $86 and additional costs for services, Guardian ad Litem, and mediation.
| Proceeding | Court | Typical Costs | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | $86 filing + $12 service | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | $86 filing + service + possible GAL ($500-$2,500+) | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody (standalone) | Virginia Beach J&DR Court | Filing fee + possible GAL | 3-6 months |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | $86 filing + forensic accountant + business valuator | 12-24 months |
Results may vary. Costs and timelines depend on case specifics.
Firm Credentials and 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 full representation with a case-specific approach.
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.
Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond Location serves clients at the 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, serving 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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Profile
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.