Contested Divorce Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
When a marriage ends and the parties cannot agree on key issues—property division, spousal support, child custody, or the divorce itself—the matter becomes contested. In Virginia Beach, these disputes are resolved in the Virginia Beach City Circuit Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in contested divorce proceedings throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997, and his Of Counsel bring extensive experience in family law litigation, including complex property division, business valuation, and custody disputes. Whether your case involves fault-based grounds such as adultery or cruelty, or a no‑fault separation under Va. Code § 20‑91, our firm works to protect your interests through negotiation and, when necessary, trial. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Contested Divorce Means in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is the largest city in the Commonwealth by population, and its family law matters are heard in the Virginia Beach City Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. Because the Circuit Court handles both divorce and equitable distribution, a contested case that involves property disputes, custody, and support will proceed entirely before that court. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, so marital property is divided fairly—but not necessarily equally—under Va. Code § 20‑107.3. The court considers 11 statutory factors, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the circumstances that led to the dissolution.
Local practice also dictates that a spouse seeking a contested divorce must meet residency requirements: one party must be a domiciliary of Virginia for at least six months before filing. The procedural path often involves discovery, pendente lite hearings for temporary support or custody, and potentially a full trial. Mediation is available but not mandated, and forensic accountants or business valuators are frequently used when marital estates include business interests or retirement assets. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in Virginia Beach City Circuit Court and understand how local judges and procedures shape contested divorce litigation.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Contested Divorce Cases
A contested divorce demands a thorough, evidence‑driven approach. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by identifying the legal and factual issues in dispute—whether they concern the classification of separate versus marital property, the appropriateness of spousal support under Va. Code § 20‑107.1, or the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20‑124.3. We gather financial records, depose parties and witnesses, and engage qualified attorneys when business valuations or complex asset tracing are required.
Throughout the litigation, we pursue opportunities to narrow the contested issues through motion practice and settlement negotiations. If a trial becomes necessary, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel present the case with careful preparation, including cross-examination of opposing attorneys and presentation of documentary evidence. Because our firm is experienced in multi‑state and high‑net‑worth matters, we are equipped to handle cases that involve out‑of‑state property, stock options, or international assets. Every contested divorce is unique, and our approach is tailored to the facts of your situation.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings a litigation‑focused perspective to contested divorce proceedings. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a bill that revised the equitable distribution statute. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who concentrate in family law and related litigation. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, paired with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Each Of Counsel brings distinct knowledge—including backgrounds in criminal prosecution, law enforcement, and complex civil litigation—that strengthens our ability to handle the financial, custodial, and procedural dimensions of a contested case. All matters are handled collaboratively under Mr. Sris’s direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a contested divorce in Virginia?
A contested divorce occurs when the spouses disagree on one or more material issues, requiring the court to resolve them. These issues may include the division of property, spousal support, child custody, or the divorce grounds themselves. In Virginia, a contested divorce proceeds in the Circuit Court and may involve discovery, motions, and a trial. Parties may eventually reach a settlement, but the case remains contested until all disputes are resolved by agreement or court order.
How does the contested divorce process work in Virginia Beach?
The process begins with filing a Complaint for Divorce in the Virginia Beach City Circuit Court, followed by service on the other spouse. After the defendant responds, the court may schedule pendente lite hearings for temporary custody or support. Discovery includes exchanging financial information, depositions, and expert reports. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge decides the contested issues under Virginia law.
How long does a contested divorce take in Virginia Beach?
The timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of the issues, the court’s calendar, and the parties’ willingness to settle. A straightforward contested divorce may resolve in several months if the parties reach agreement after some negotiation. Cases that involve business valuations, custody evaluations, or multiple expert witnesses often extend beyond a year. Our firm works to move your case forward efficiently while protecting your rights.
What are the grounds for a contested divorce in Virginia?
Virginia recognizes both fault and no‑fault grounds for divorce. Fault‑based grounds under Va. Code § 20‑91 include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and a felony conviction resulting in more than one year of imprisonment. A no‑fault divorce is available after a one‑year separation, or after six months if there are no minor children and the parties have signed a separation agreement. A contested divorce may be based on any ground that the filing spouse chooses to assert.
Do I need a lawyer for a contested divorce in Virginia Beach?
While you are not legally required to have an attorney, a contested divorce involves complex legal and financial questions that are difficult to manage without representation. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, navigate the procedural rules of the Virginia Beach City Circuit Court, and advocate for a fair outcome in property division, support, and custody. Mistakes made during the divorce process can have long‑lasting consequences. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
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