Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Beach Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia is not a community property state; it follows equitable distribution principles where marital property is divided fairly based on statutory factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended the equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct legislative experience provides a unique advantage in complex property division cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
All divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters are filed with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. Standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders are handled by the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your goals, assets, and children with an attorney from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
- File Complaint: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint (divorce, custody, etc.) with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information.
- Negotiation/Mediation: Attempt to reach a settlement on all issues through negotiation or mediation.
- Court Hearings: Attend any necessary hearings for temporary orders (pendente lite) or for trial if no settlement is reached.
- Final Order: The court enters a final decree of divorce or order resolving custody, support, and property.
Virginia Beach Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Virginia Beach, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than penalties: equitable distribution of property, child support based on state guidelines, and custody based on the child’s best interests.
| Matter | Legal Standard / Classification | Financial Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (separation) or Fault-based | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | Determines spousal support eligibility |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of marital assets/debts | Business valuation may be required |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Monthly payment based on income | Enforceable by contempt |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (10 factors) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Determines parenting time/decision-making |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent payment | Tax implications (payer deductible) |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Virginia Beach family law cases. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has a documented record of 8 case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, provides a depth of statutory understanding rare among family law practitioners.
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, maintaining a 100% favorable outcome rate for our clients in this locality. These results include successful settlements and court rulings in divorce, custody, and support matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation in Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. As a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana, we serve the communities of 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 a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service ($12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
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 relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; custody within a divorce is handled by Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment of one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub |
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer |
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer |
Attorney Bryan Block Profile |
Our Richmond Office
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance regarding your specific situation.