In Virginia Beach, Virginia, divorce and family law matters fall under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3 — personally amended by Mr. Sris — the court considers 11 factors when dividing property. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded from division. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved, or a 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every family law case. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in complex financial cases involving business valuation, stock options, and retirement asset division.
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, see the Virginia Beach General District Court website (.gov).
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File the Complaint: File a divorce complaint at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B). Filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12.
- Serve Your Spouse: Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff, private process server ($50-$100), or waiver of service.
- Exchange Financial Disclosures: Both parties must exchange financial statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and asset valuations within 21 days.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing (if needed): Temporary support and custody hearings are typically set within 21-60 days of motion filing.
- Mediation or Settlement: Negotiate a property settlement agreement covering asset division, support, and custody. Mediation costs: $100-$300/hour per party.
- Final Hearing: Uncontested: 2-4 months from filing. Contested: 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation: 12-24 months.
In Virginia Beach, Virginia, family law matters carry significant financial and personal consequences. Divorce costs include filing fees, service fees, Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+), and mediation costs ($100-$300/hour per party).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Range | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year (with children) | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + $12 service | Property settlement agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | $5,000-$20,000+ in attorney fees | Trial, discovery, experienced witnesses |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3) | 3-6 months (standalone) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting classes may be required |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | 30-60 days | Ongoing monthly obligation | Wage garnishment for non-payment |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Varies | Ongoing monthly obligation | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 has handled 4,739+ cases firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. The firm’s favorable outcome rate is 93%+. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a landmark achievement that directly benefits every family law client in Virginia Beach. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in complex financial cases involving business valuation, stock options, retirement assets, and international assets. He keeps his personal caseload small to ensure deep involvement in every case.
Mr. Sris (Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney) also handles complex family law matters in Virginia Beach. Former prosecutor. Founded firm 1997. Bar: VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY. Personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
In Virginia Beach, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., the firm has handled 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Distance: Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). Accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway), Route 58, and Route 13 (Shore Drive).
Near-Me: Family law lawyer near Virginia Beach — serving Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
Neighborhoods Served: Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. 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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. 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. Attorney fees vary based on complexity.
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). Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all property division. 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. Filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: approximately $12.
Related Pages:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer (hub page)
- Henrico County Divorce Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Divorce Lawyer
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Virginia Beach DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Bryan Block — Former Virginia State Trooper
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.