A Marital Settlement Agreement in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive family law experience in Virginia Beach, helping clients handle divorce, property division, and custody matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Marital Settlement Agreement Lawyer Virginia Beach, Virginia
In Virginia, a Marital Settlement Agreement (also called a Property Settlement Agreement) is a legally binding contract between spouses that resolves issues arising from divorce, including property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. These agreements are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris), Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and Va. Code § 20-124.2 (custody experienced interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. A properly drafted Marital Settlement Agreement can simplify the divorce process, reduce court costs, and give you control over the outcome. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce and family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For court procedures and forms, visit Virginia Beach Circuit Court (vacourts.gov — official site).
In Virginia Beach Circuit Court, judges routinely require a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. We have observed that having a properly drafted Marital Settlement Agreement signed by both parties significantly reduces court time and avoids contested hearings.
- Meet the residency requirement: at least one spouse must have lived in Virginia for 6 months.
- Separate for the required period: 6 months (no minor children) or 1 year (with minor children).
- Draft a full Marital Settlement Agreement with your divorce settlement terms lawyer Virginia Beach.
- File the complaint at Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
- Attend the uncontested hearing with your corroborating witness.
- Receive the final divorce decree from the court.
In Virginia Beach, Virginia, divorce and family law matters are governed by equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, with no-fault divorce available after 6-month or 1-year separation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-fault divorce (6-month separation) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | Division of marital property; potential spousal support |
| No-fault divorce (1-year separation) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | Division of marital property; child custody and support |
| Fault-based divorce (adultery) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | May affect spousal support and property division |
| Fault-based divorce (cruelty) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | Requires proof; may impact custody and support |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce. The firm has handled numerous family law matters in Virginia Beach, including complex property division, spousal support, and child custody disputes. “Advocacy Without Borders” reflects the firm’s commitment to providing full legal representation across multiple states and practice areas.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond, VA is approximately 90 miles from Virginia Beach Circuit Court, with access via I-64 and I-264. As a Marital Settlement Agreement Lawyer Virginia Beach, we serve the communities of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marital Settlement Agreements in Virginia Beach
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach (City), Virginia?
Yes. Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Virginia Beach Circuit Court, depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces routinely take 9-18 months. Va. Code § 20-91 governs divorce grounds.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process ($12), private process server ($50-$100), and Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+). Cases filed at Virginia Beach General District Court.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all property division.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody is based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors. 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) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Filed at Virginia Beach Circuit Court under Va. Code § 20-91.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against marital settlement agreement charges?
Defense strategies for marital settlement agreement in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-109 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing marital settlement agreement charges in Virginia?
If facing marital settlement agreement charges in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations under Virginia law requires prompt action.
What are the penalties for marital settlement agreement in Virginia?
Penalties for marital settlement agreement in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under Va. Code § 20-109, consequences may include fines, jail time, probation, or other sanctions. Consult a Virginia family law attorney for case-specific guidance.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Norfolk Military Divorce Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find these pages useful: Family Law Lawyer Loudoun County, Family Law Lawyer Fairfax County, and Business Purchase Lawyer Virginia Beach.
Last verified: May 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-05-01.