Contested Divorce Lawyer Virginia Beach, Virginia
In Virginia, a contested divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, which establishes the grounds for divorce. No-fault grounds require a separation period of 6 months (if no minor children and a signed property settlement agreement exists) or 1 year (if minor children are involved). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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: April 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the divorce statute, see Va. Code § 20-91 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Virginia Beach Circuit Court, prosecutors do not handle family law matters, but the court’s procedural requirements are strict. We have observed that judges in Virginia Beach expect parties to have completed discovery before the first status hearing. Failure to exchange financial disclosures on time can result in sanctions.
- File a complaint for divorce at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse and await their response.
- Exchange financial disclosures and complete discovery.
- Attend court-ordered mediation to attempt settlement.
- If mediation fails, prepare for trial on all contested issues.
- Attend trial and receive the court’s final decree of divorce.
In Virginia Beach, a contested divorce carries no criminal penalties, but the court can order equitable distribution of marital property, spousal support, child support, and custody arrangements.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Timeframe | Cost | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Division of marital property | 9-18 months | Filing fee: $86 | Business valuation may be required |
| Spousal Support | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Monthly payments ordered | 9-18 months | Attorney fees vary | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
| Child Custody | Va. Code § 20-124.2 | Joint or sole custody | 9-18 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting plan required |
| Child Support | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Monthly payments based on guidelines | 9-18 months | Mediation: $100-$300/hour | Enforceable through wage garnishment |
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. This unique legislative credential sets the firm apart from any other family law practice in Virginia.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Virginia Beach: all 8 resulted in favorable outcomes — a favorable-outcome rate of 100%. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 100 miles from Virginia Beach Circuit Court, with access via I-64 and I-264. We serve as a contested divorce lawyer near Virginia Beach. Serving the communities of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contested Divorce in Virginia Beach
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach (City), Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Virginia Beach Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Virginia Beach Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces routinely take 9-18 months. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
Uncontested divorces take 2-6 months; contested divorces take 9-18 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process ($12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion costs, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Cases are filed at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
The filing fee is approximately $86, plus additional costs for service and mediation.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
No, Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody in Virginia Beach is based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
Custody is decided based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
No-fault grounds require 6-month or 1-year separation; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against contested divorce charges?
Defense strategies for a contested divorce in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with the other party, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-91 (fault-based or 1-year separation) to build the strongest possible case.
An attorney evaluates the facts under Va. Code § 20-91 to build a defense strategy.
What should I do if I am facing a contested divorce in Virginia?
If facing a contested divorce 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 and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Contact a family law attorney immediately and preserve all relevant documents.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Flat Fee Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also be interested in our Family Law Lawyer Loudoun County or Family Law Lawyer Fairfax County pages. For related practice areas, see our Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia Beach and Assault Lawyer Virginia Beach pages.
Page last updated: 2026-05-01. Case results and firm data verified as of 2026-02-15.
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.