Contested Divorce Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
When a marriage ends and the parties cannot reach agreement on any of the core issues — property division, spousal support, child custody, or child support — the divorce is contested. In Virginia Beach, contested divorce cases are litigated in the Virginia Beach City Circuit Court. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., represents clients through every stage of contested divorce litigation in Virginia Beach. From the initial filing of a Complaint for Divorce through trial and any post-trial modification or enforcement, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to protect your interests and seek resolutions that address your goals. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation about your Virginia Beach contested divorce.
What Contested Divorce Means in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach divorce cases that cannot be resolved by a signed property settlement agreement are heard in the Virginia Beach City Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B. The Circuit Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over divorce and equitable distribution under Virginia Code § 20-96. While the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, and child support matters, the divorce itself — together with any accompanying property division and spousal support claims — proceeds in the Circuit Court. Virginia Beach is part of the Fourth Judicial District, and its courts serve the communities of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, and surrounding areas.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means the court divides marital property based on what is fair — not necessarily a 50/50 split. The court considers eleven statutory factors, including each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, the duration of the marriage, and the circumstances that led to its dissolution. Separate property — assets owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance — is not subject to division. Disputes frequently arise over business valuations, retirement accounts, real estate, and whether certain assets should be classified as marital or separate. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have extensive experience addressing these contested issues in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Contested Divorce Cases
A contested divorce begins when one spouse files a Complaint for Divorce with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. The grounds for the divorce are stated in the complaint. Virginia recognizes both fault-based grounds — such as adultery, cruelty, and desertion — and no-fault grounds based on separation for one year, or six months if no minor children are involved and the parties have a signed separation agreement. After filing and service, the court may enter pendente lite orders for temporary support, custody, and use of the marital residence while the case is pending. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel guide clients through the exchange of discovery, including interrogatories, document requests, and depositions, to build a clear picture of the marital estate and any contested factual issues.
When settlement negotiations stall, the contested issues proceed to trial. At trial, the court hears evidence and argument on each disputed matter — classification and valuation of property, the appropriate amount and duration of spousal support, and the allocation of custody and support if children are involved. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing, but in contested proceedings, each party presents witnesses and documentary evidence. Mr. Sris’s background as a former prosecutor informs his courtroom strategy and evidentiary approach. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to position clients for a favorable resolution, whether through negotiated settlement or trial. Results may vary.
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 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he brings a trial-focused perspective to family law litigation. 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 Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. His familiarity with contested divorce proceedings in Virginia and his accounting and information systems background inform his approach to complex property division matters.
Mr. Sris is joined by his Of Counsel team, which brings over 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel. Results may vary. Together, they have documented over 4,739 case results across all practice areas since 1997. Every attorney who works on Virginia Beach family law matters through our firm is engaged Of Counsel — there are no associates or partners, ensuring that each client benefits from seasoned judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a contested divorce take in Virginia Beach?
A contested divorce timeline depends on the issues in dispute, the court’s schedule, and the complexity of the marital estate. Cases that involve business valuations, multiple properties, or detailed custody evaluations typically require more time. While some contested cases resolve within several months after temporary hearings and discovery, others may continue for longer periods if the parties cannot settle and must proceed to trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to move the case forward efficiently while protecting your interests. For a more specific timeline based on your circumstances, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your matter.
What are the grounds for a contested divorce in Virginia?
Virginia law provides both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, willful desertion for one year, and conviction of a felony resulting in imprisonment for more than one year. No-fault grounds are based on living separate and apart for one year, or for six months if the parties have no minor children and have a signed separation agreement. The choice of ground can affect the distribution of marital property and spousal support. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate the facts of each case to determine which ground best fits the client’s situation. To discuss your specific circumstances, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How is property divided in a Virginia Beach contested divorce?
Virginia follows equitable distribution, which divides marital property based on fairness — not necessarily an equal 50/50 split. The court classifies assets as marital, separate, or hybrid and applies eleven statutory factors. These factors include each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, the duration of the marriage, and the circumstances of the divorce. Separate property is not divided. Valuation disputes over businesses, retirement accounts, and real estate frequently arise in contested cases, and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience presenting valuation evidence in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a contested divorce in Virginia Beach?
While you are not legally required to have an attorney, contested divorce involves complex legal and financial issues that can have lasting consequences. Representing yourself means you must comply with Virginia procedural rules, present evidence, and argue your position — all while opposing counsel is advocating against you. Errors in discovery, improper valuation, or incomplete settlement agreements can create long-term problems. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled contested divorce matters in Virginia Beach for years and can help you understand your options. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can I get temporary support while my contested divorce is pending?
Yes, Virginia courts can enter pendente lite orders for temporary spousal support, child custody, and child support while the divorce is ongoing. Under Va. Code § 20-103, a spouse may request this relief early in the case to maintain financial stability and stability for any children. The court considers the parties’ incomes, needs, and the standard of living during the marriage when setting temporary awards. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help you file a pendente lite motion and present the necessary financial information. 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 ·
Virginia’s Judicial System
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