Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce, are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. We handle cases at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
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 under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) and fault-based 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 Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) – Official Virginia 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 review your situation and goals.
- File the appropriate complaint (divorce, custody, support) with the correct court.
- Serve the other party with the legal papers.
- Engage in discovery, which may include financial disclosures and depositions.
- Attempt settlement through negotiation or mediation.
- Proceed to a court hearing or trial if settlement is not reached.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves significant legal and financial consequences, including property division, potential spousal support, and child support calculated using state guidelines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (e.g., violating support order) | Civil / Criminal | Up to 10 days jail per occurrence | Unlimited court discretion | Attorney’s fees, wage garnishment, driver’s license suspension |
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Civil / Criminal | Possible | Possible | License suspension, tax refund interception, lien on property |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are not guarantees.
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. 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
Case Results in Virginia Beach
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 Family Law Service
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts. We represent clients in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. Call (888) 437-7747 for 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. A pendente lite hearing for temporary matters is usually set within 21-60 days.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $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 in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritance, 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. The court considers 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 cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Virginia Beach.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.