Divorce Lawyer in Virginia Beach, VA — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Finding the right divorce lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia is one of the most important decisions you can make when navigating separation, custody disputes, or financial uncertainty. Whether your case is contested or uncontested, this guide explains everything you need to know about the divorce process in Virginia Beach — including where to file, how much lawyers cost, state residency rules, and affordable alternatives to attorney-led divorce.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Virginia Beach?

A Virginia Beach divorce lawyer may be necessary if your case involves:

• Custody, visitation, or decision-making disputes

• High-conflict communication or lack of cooperation

• Significant savings, real estate, or multiple properties

• Military retirement benefits (very common in Hampton Roads)

• A business, professional practice, or substantial investments

• Disputes over alimony (spousal support)

• Domestic violence or safety concerns

• A case likely to require hearings, mediation, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on:

• Custody and parenting schedules

• Child support and alimony

• Division of assets and debts

• Division of pensions and military retirement

• Who keeps the marital home

In uncontested cases, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Virginia Beach divorce paperwork for a fraction of the cost of hiring an attorney.

Where to File for Divorce in Virginia Beach, VA

Divorces in Virginia Beach are handled by the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, part of the Second Judicial Circuit of Virginia.

Primary Filing Location

Virginia Beach Circuit Court — Civil Division
2425 Nimmo Parkway
Building 10B
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 385-4181

This courthouse manages:

• Divorce and legal separation

• Custody and visitation

• Child and spousal support

• Domestic violence protective orders

• Mediation and case management

• Evidentiary hearings and trials

Most divorce paperwork is filed in person, as Virginia does not have statewide self-represented e-filing.

Virginia Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Virginia Beach:

• One spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least 6 months

• Military members stationed in Virginia typically qualify

Virginia allows both no-fault and fault-based divorces, though most couples file under no-fault “separation.”

How Divorce Works in Virginia Beach, VA

Here’s how the divorce process typically works in Virginia Beach:

1. File a Complaint for Divorce

Filed with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service may be completed by:

• Sheriff

• Private process server

• Acceptance of service

3. Mandatory Separation Period

To finalize:

• 6 months of separation (if no kids & signed agreement), OR

• 12 months of separation (if minor children)

4. Financial Disclosures & Support Determinations

While Virginia does not require structured disclosures like some states, you must provide:

• Income statements

• Bank records

• Property and debt documents

• Retirement, pension, and military benefit information

5. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Parents may be required to:

• Attend parenting classes

• Complete mediation

• Draft a parenting plan

• Participate in custody conferences

6. Mediation, Negotiation, or Hearings

Uncontested cases may be resolved quickly.
Contested cases may require:

• Temporary hearings

• Discovery

• GAL (guardian ad litem) investigations

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

7. Final Decree of Divorce

A judge reviews the settlement or trial outcome and signs the Final Decree.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Virginia Beach, VA?

Attorney fees in Virginia Beach are moderate compared to Northern Virginia, but can rise based on complexity.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $250–$400

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $1,800–$4,000

• Contested divorce: $8,000–$20,000+

• High-conflict or high-asset cases: $25,000–$60,000+

Military pensions, real estate, and custody disputes tend to increase costs.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Virginia Beach, VA

Here are respected Virginia Beach divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Poole Brooke Plumlee PC

https://www.poolebrooke.com

2. The Firm For Men

https://www.thefirmformen.com

3. McCormack & McCormack

https://www.mccormackpc.com

These firms handle complex custody cases, military divorces, high-value asset division, mediation, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, you can avoid high attorney fees.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee options:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Virginia-specific divorce forms.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file all documents with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A 1:1 specialist manages your entire case from start to finish.

These are ideal options for couples seeking a fast, simple, and affordable divorce in the Hampton Roads region.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Virginia Beach divorce attorney if:

• You expect a custody dispute

• Your spouse refuses to cooperate

• Domestic violence is involved

• You or your spouse own a business

• You have significant assets or military retirement benefits

• You suspect hidden income or assets

• Litigation is likely

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Virginia Beach Couples

• Virginia-specific forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing options available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Much cheaper and faster than attorney-led divorce

• Perfect for uncontested, low-conflict cases

Divorce.com helps Virginia Beach couples move forward with clarity and confidence.

Start Your Virginia Beach Divorce Today

Whether you choose legal representation or use an online divorce service, taking the first step is what matters most. Divorce.com makes the process affordable, streamlined, and stress-free for families across Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads.