Virginia Beach Family Law Lawyer – How Can We Protect Your Family’s Future?
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and support, are governed by statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation in these sensitive cases. Our firm, founded in 1997, uses a case-specific approach to handle the details of your family law proceedings in the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), Va. Code § 20-124.2 (best interests of the child factors for custody), and Va. Code § 20-107.1 (spousal support). The equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute our founding attorney personally helped amend.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family laws, visit the official Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For local court forms and procedures, refer to the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court website.
Family Law Process in Virginia Beach
Family law cases in Virginia Beach typically start with filing a petition in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (for custody, support, or protective orders) or the Circuit Court (for divorce). The court encourages mediation to resolve disputes before a trial.
- Consult with an attorney to understand your rights and options.
- File the necessary petition with the correct Virginia Beach court.
- Participate in discovery, exchanging financial affidavits and other documents.
- Attend mediation or settlement conferences as ordered by the court.
- Proceed to a hearing or trial if an agreement cannot be reached.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Virginia Beach, family law outcomes vary widely based on the facts of each case, but they can include court orders for child custody, visitation schedules, child and spousal support, and the division of marital assets and debts.
| Matter | Primary Legal Standard | Potential Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.2) | Joint or sole legal/physical custody; detailed parenting plan |
| Child Support | Virginia Child Support Guidelines | Monthly payment based on parents’ incomes and custody share |
| Spousal Support | Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support; amount and duration vary |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair, not necessarily equal, division (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of marital property and debts |
| Divorce | Fault or No-Fault Grounds (Va. Code § 20-91) | Dissolution of marriage; incorporation of other orders |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a documented history of favorable outcomes in family law matters, our firm provides strong representation. Our founding attorney’s direct involvement in amending Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates a deep understanding of Virginia’s equitable distribution law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Virginia recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds. The most common no-fault ground is living separate and apart for one year (or six months with no minor children and a separation agreement). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
How is child custody determined in Virginia Beach?
The Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court determines custody based on the child’s best interests. Factors include each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s reasonable preference if of sufficient age and maturity.
What factors affect spousal support in Virginia?
Courts consider the needs and financial resources of each party, the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, each party’s contributions, and the earning capacity and employability of each spouse, among other factors listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
How is property divided in a Virginia divorce?
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Marital property is divided equitably, which is not necessarily equally. The court considers each spouse’s contributions, the marriage’s duration, and the economic circumstances of each party at the time of division.
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach?
An uncontested divorce can be finalized as soon as the statutory separation period is met (6 months or 1 year). A contested divorce’s timeline varies significantly based on court scheduling and case complexity, often taking several months to over a year.
Family Law Help in Virginia Beach
Our Virginia Beach location serves you in the Virginia Beach area and surrounding communities. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Town Center and the Oceanfront. For 24/7 phone consultations, call (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Virginia Beach, VA
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
More Legal Information
For an overview of family law across Virginia, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, our Chesapeake family law lawyer page may also be relevant. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer services. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.