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 at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. 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, support, and property division.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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.
- Consult with an attorney to assess your grounds for divorce and immediate needs.
- File a complaint in Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff, private process server, or acceptance.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days if temporary support or custody is needed.
- Exchange financial disclosures and engage in discovery if the divorce is contested.
- Attend mediation or settlement conference, then final hearing or trial.
Virginia Beach Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential support obligations, and equitable distribution of assets.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-fault Divorce | Civil proceeding | None | Court fees: ~$86 filing + service | Property division, support orders |
| Fault Divorce (adultery) | Civil proceeding | None | Same court costs | May affect property division, support |
| Contempt of Court Order | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional court sanctions |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally helped amend 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. 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: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support: typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and 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. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
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 relationship with each parent. 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: 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 – Statewide hub
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Richmond Office Location
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.