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Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach family law matters, including divorce, custody, and support, are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our firm provides full representation for Virginia Beach residents facing family law issues. We offer a case-specific approach to handle the details of your case in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months without minor children or 1 year with children) and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91. Child custody and support are determined based on the child’s best interests per Va. Code § 20-124.3 and state guidelines.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Virginia Beach Family Court Process
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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.
- Consult with an attorney to review your situation and goals.
- File the appropriate complaint (e.g., for divorce, custody) with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court or J&DR 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 an agreement cannot be reached.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Virginia Beach, divorce and family law matters follow equitable distribution principles, with child support calculated using state guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | Filing: ~$86 + service fees | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney costs + possible experienced fees | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Filing fees + possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Virginia Beach J&DR Court |
| Complex Asset Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing fees + attorney + forensic accountant/business valuator | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
Results may vary. The information above is for general reference only.
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. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We are a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach and the Oceanfront. We serve 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: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution with business valuation: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support are typically set within 21-60 days of the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process is about $12; a private process server costs $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300 per 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, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Separate property 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, considering 10 factors. These include 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 a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.