In Virginia Beach, Virginia, divorce is governed by equitable distribution 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. A Divorce Lawyer Virginia Beach can explain your rights to property division, spousal support, and child custody.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to determine a fair division. Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, or gifts — is excluded from distribution. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and a signed separation agreement exists, or a 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the official statute governing divorce grounds, see Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and local rules, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
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.
- File a complaint for divorce at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion if you need temporary support or custody (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Complete discovery, including financial affidavits and asset documentation.
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended; $100-$300/hour per party).
- Attend final hearing or submit agreed final decree for judge signature.
In Virginia Beach, divorce outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case. Equitable distribution, spousal support, and child support are determined by statute.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Key Statute | Timeframe | Cost Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault; 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year (with children) | Va. Code § 20-91 | 2-4 months | Filing fee ~$86; service ~$12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | Va. Code § 20-91 | 9-18 months | Filing fee ~$86; discovery costs vary |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division based on 11 factors | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Within divorce case | Business valuation: $2,000-$10,000+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Within divorce or standalone | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Within divorce case | Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party |
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 legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in every Virginia divorce. This amendment is a documented, real-world achievement that sets the firm apart in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, former prosecutor and firm founder, serves as secondary counsel on all Virginia family law matters, bringing his experience amending Va. Code § 20-107.3 to every case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). The court is accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Divorce Lawyer Virginia Beach — near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Town Center, and Naval Air Station Oceana.
Serving: Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
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: 12-24 months.
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. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. 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 (personally amended by Mr. Sris).
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.
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).
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For nearby localities, see our Henrico County Divorce Lawyer or Chesterfield County Divorce Lawyer pages. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI Lawyer pages. Learn more about our team on our attorney profile page. Visit our Richmond office location page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.