Contested Divorce Lawyer Virginia Beach — What Are Your Options?
A contested divorce in Virginia Beach requires litigation in Circuit Court under Va. Code § 20-91, with property divided equitably per Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for these complex cases, which often involve disputes over assets, custody, or support. Our contested divorce lawyer Virginia Beach team handles the detailed legal process from filing to trial.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Beach Contested Divorce Law
A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more major issues like property division, child custody, spousal support, or the grounds for divorce itself. Virginia law requires these disputes to be resolved through the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. The process is governed by specific statutes, including those for equitable distribution of marital property.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means the court divides marital property fairly, but not necessarily equally, based on 11 factors listed in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, providing our firm with deep insight into its application. All divorce filings for Virginia Beach residents are handled at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway.
- File a Complaint for Divorce with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the divorce papers on your spouse using a sheriff, private process server, or accepted waiver.
- Participate in discovery, which may include subpoenas for financial records and depositions.
- Attend court-ordered mediation or settlement conferences to attempt resolution.
- Proceed to a pendente lite hearing for temporary orders on support and custody if needed.
- Prepare for and attend a final trial before a Circuit Court judge if settlement fails.
In Virginia Beach, a contested divorce carries a timeline of 9 to 24 months, court costs from $100 to over $5,000, and requires litigation to resolve disputes over assets, support, or custody.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Court Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, split of marital assets/debts | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal & physical custody order | VA Beach J&DR or Circuit Court |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support award | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
| Divorce Grounds | Fault or No-Fault (Va. Code § 20-91) | Final Decree of Divorce | Virginia Beach Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contested Divorce Representation in Virginia Beach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex family law matters. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in Virginia Beach. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment to Virginia’s equitable distribution statute provides a unique strategic advantage in property division disputes.
Our contested divorce attorney Virginia Beach team, led by Samantha Powers and supported by firm founder Mr. Sris, handles all phases of litigation. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides critical insight for financial aspects of divorce. We have documented case results in Virginia Beach across all practice areas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients with Virginia Beach contested divorce cases. We are accessible via I-64 and I-264. We provide a contested divorce lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Sandbridge, and Oceana. Our firm serves Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Virginia Beach Contested Divorce FAQs
How long does a contested divorce take in Virginia Beach?
9 to 18 months is typical for a contested divorce in Virginia Beach. Complex cases with business valuation or retirement assets can take 12 to 24 months. The timeline depends on court scheduling, discovery complexity, and whether settlement occurs before trial.
What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce in Virginia?
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all issues and file a signed settlement agreement. A contested divorce means disputes exist over property, support, custody, or grounds, requiring court intervention and litigation to resolve.
How much does a contested divorce cost in Virginia Beach?
Costs vary widely. The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem fees for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation costs. Attorney fees depend on case complexity and length of litigation.
Can I get alimony in a Virginia contested divorce?
Yes. Spousal support (alimony) is determined by Virginia Beach Circuit Court judges based on 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the length of marriage, each party’s earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage.
What are the grounds for a contested divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
For more information, see our Virginia family law hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in Virginia Beach. If you need a marriage dissolution lawyer Contested Virginia Beach or representation in nearby areas, contact us.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance on your contested divorce case in Virginia Beach.
For the background behind a Virginia Beach case, our page explains how Virginia handles contested divorce.