Contested Divorce Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
If you and your spouse cannot agree on one or more issues in your divorce—whether it involves property division, spousal support, or custody—you need an attorney who understands how contested cases unfold in Virginia Beach courts. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B, retains exclusive jurisdiction over divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support determinations. Contested matters often involve fact-intensive disputes, and Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has built a practice around handling such cases across Virginia. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Contested Divorce Means in Virginia Beach
A contested divorce arises when the parties disagree about any aspect of the dissolution—whether it is the ground for divorce, classification of property, custody, visitation, or support. In Virginia Beach, the Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway presides over these disputes. Unlike an uncontested matter resolved by a signed separation agreement, a contested case may require discovery, depositions, and a trial before the court. Virginia is an equitable distribution state; the court divides marital property according to the factors enumerated in , not a 50/50 split.
The city’s location in the Fourth Judicial District means that local procedural practices can influence how quickly a case moves toward resolution. While a divorce may be filed after meeting the required separation period—six months if no minor children exist and a written separation agreement is in place, or one year otherwise—the contested aspect extends the process. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in Virginia Beach Circuit Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, which handles standalone custody, support, and protective order cases within the same locality. Understanding the interplay between these two courts is essential for a contest that may involve temporary support pendente lite under Va. Code § 20-103.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Contested Divorce Cases
In a contested divorce, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by evaluating the specific grounds for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. Whether the matter proceeds on a no-fault basis after the requisite separation or on a fault ground such as adultery or cruelty, they develop a strategy tailored to the client’s objectives. Discovery tools—including interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions—are used to uncover the full scope of marital assets and debts. Where real estate, retirement accounts, or business interests are disputed, they work with forensic accountants and valuation professionals to build a record for equitable distribution.
Throughout the proceedings, the team advocates for clients at pendente lite hearings to secure temporary support or exclusive use of the family residence. If settlement discussions stall, they prepare for trial, presenting evidence and testimony before the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. While every case is unique, the approach is grounded in procedural knowledge of the local courts and a thorough understanding of the relevant statutory framework. The timeline depends on the complexity of the issues and the court’s calendar; contested divorces in Virginia Beach routinely require patience and a disciplined litigation posture.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand trial experience to family law disputes. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a measure that revised subsection (g) of Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, . His engagement with the legislative process reflects a commitment to the development of family law in the Commonwealth.
The team’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute extensive experience across multiple practice areas, including family law. Collectively, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. They serve Virginia Beach from the firm’s Richmond location and can meet clients by appointment. To discuss your contested divorce, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Virginia allows both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-91, a no-fault divorce may be granted after a separation of one year, or after six months if there are no minor children and the parties have entered into a written separation agreement. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, willful desertion for one year, and conviction of a felony with imprisonment of more than one year. The presence of fault grounds can affect spousal support and property division. In Virginia Beach, the Circuit Court evaluates the evidence and determines whether the asserted ground has been proven. For guidance on your specific situation, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How is property divided in a contested divorce in Virginia Beach?
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court classifies property as marital, separate, or hybrid, then distributes the marital portion based on factors listed in , including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the circumstances surrounding the dissolution. In a contested case, disputes often arise over whether an asset is separate (e.g., an inheritance) or marital. Forensic accountants and business valuators may be needed to trace and appraise complex holdings. A thorough presentation at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court is essential to protect your financial interests.
What is the difference between a contested and an uncontested divorce in Virginia Beach?
A contested divorce occurs when the parties disagree on one or more issues, such as grounds, property division, custody, or support. An uncontested divorce typically involves a signed separation agreement resolving all matters, and it proceeds more quickly. In Virginia Beach, contested cases go before the Circuit Court and involve discovery, motions, and potentially a trial. Because contested divorces are fact-intensive and legally nuanced, they generally take longer and require more preparation. To discuss whether your case is likely to be contested, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a contested divorce in Virginia Beach?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but contested divorces involve complex factual and legal questions that are difficult to handle alone. Virginia’s equitable distribution statute and procedural rules can be challenging without a working knowledge of the local courts. An attorney can evaluate the strength of fault grounds, trace separate property claims, and present evidence effectively before the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Representing yourself carries the risk that favorable evidence or legal arguments may be overlooked. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
How long does a contested divorce take in Virginia Beach?
The timeline for a contested divorce depends on the complexity of the issues, the level of conflict, and the court’s calendar. Straightforward disputes may resolve within several months after a separation period, but cases involving business valuation, custody evaluations, or extensive discovery often take longer. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court schedules hearings and trials based on availability; pendente lite matters can sometimes be set more quickly. There is no standard timeframe, and each case moves at its own pace. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What if my spouse does not want a divorce?
In Virginia, a divorce does not require mutual consent; a court may grant a divorce even if one spouse objects. If the statutory grounds are met—including fault grounds or the appropriate separation period—the court can enter a decree. Contested cases where one party does not wish to dissolve the marriage often become more protracted, as that spouse may challenge the grounds or contest property and support claims. In these situations, having an experienced attorney who can present a clear, evidence-backed case to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court is valuable. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) · Virginia Beach Circuit Court
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