Marital Property Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
Divorce in Virginia involves more than ending a marriage — it requires a thorough accounting and division of marital property. In Virginia Beach, the Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway) handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters under Virginia Code § 20-107.3. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly but not necessarily equally, considering factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the tax consequences of any proposed division. From military pensions and Thrift Savings Plans at Naval Air Station Oceana to family-owned businesses in Town Center, marital property disputes in Virginia Beach involve assets that require careful valuation and classification. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., leads the firm’s Virginia Beach marital property practice. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), the legislation that revised § 20-107.3(g) — the very statute that governs how Virginia courts divide marital property. Together with his Of Counsel team, he draws on over 120 years of combined legal experience and over 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to represent clients in Virginia Beach property division cases. Results may vary. For a confidential consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Marital Property Means in Virginia Beach
In Virginia, marital property includes all assets and debts acquired by either spouse during the marriage, except for gifts from third parties or inheritances, which are classified as separate property. The distinction is critical because only marital property is subject to division by the court. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and equitable distribution. The court applies the eleven factors listed in § 20-107.3 to divide marital assets equitably — a process that differs sharply from community property states where assets are split 50/50.
For residents of Virginia Beach — including neighborhoods like Sandbridge, Oceana, and the Oceanfront — a fair property division may include the marital home, joint bank accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and even professional licenses if the value was enhanced during the marriage. The presence of a military installation like NAS Oceana means many Virginia Beach divorces involve military pensions governed by both Virginia law and the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act. In every case, the court’s goal is a division that reflects the economic partnership of the marriage, not a simple mathematical split.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Marital Property Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach marital property cases by first working with clients to identify every asset and categorize it as marital or separate under Virginia law. This often requires reviewing tax returns, bank statements, real estate deeds, and business records. When the marital estate includes complex holdings — such as a family business, professional practice, or multiple investment accounts — the team works with forensic accountants and valuation attorneys to ensure assets are accurately valued.
Once the marital estate is defined, the focus shifts to negotiation and, if necessary, litigation. Many couples resolve property division through a written property settlement agreement, which avoids a trial and can be incorporated into the final divorce decree. When agreement is not possible, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel present evidence and argument to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, advocating for a division that protects the client’s financial future. Throughout the process, clients are kept informed about the legal strategy and the likely timeline, which varies based on the complexity of the case and the court’s calendar.
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 founding the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings decades of courtroom experience to every case. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His legislative involvement includes testifying 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. Mr. Sris keeps his personal caseload small, allowing for deep involvement in the strategic direction of each marital property matter.
Supporting Mr. Sris is a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring diverse experience to marital property disputes — including backgrounds as a former Maryland prosecutor, a former Virginia State Trooper, and an attorney with a Ph.D. In communication. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and over 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to every case. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between marital and separate property in Virginia?
Marital property includes everything acquired by either spouse during the marriage, except for gifts from third parties and inheritances, which are separate property. Separate property also includes assets owned before marriage, but any increase in value due to marital effort may be considered marital. The classification directly affects what the court can divide. To discuss how these rules apply to your situation, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does the Virginia Beach Circuit Court divide marital property?
The court follows equitable distribution, not a 50/50 split. It considers eleven factors under Virginia Code § 20-107.3, including each spouse’s contributions, the duration of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, and the tax consequences. The goal is a fair distribution, not an equal one. For a consultation about your property division matter, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Can my spouse and I agree on our own property division?
Yes. A written property settlement agreement allows couples to decide how to divide assets and debts without going to trial. If the agreement is properly drafted and signed, it can be incorporated into the final divorce decree, saving time and litigation costs. For help drafting a settlement agreement, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What happens if my spouse is hiding assets?
Hidden assets can be uncovered through discovery — a legal process that includes document requests, depositions, and subpoenas. If a spouse is found to have concealed assets, the court can impose sanctions and may award a larger share to the other spouse. An attorney who works with forensic accountants can help ensure all assets are identified. To discuss asset hiding concerns, call (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a marital property dispute in Virginia Beach?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney, but marital property division involves complex valuation, classification, and legal strategy. Mistakes in characterizing assets — such as commingling separate and marital funds — can have long-term financial consequences. An experienced family law attorney can protect your interests. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How long does a marital property division take in Virginia Beach?
The timeline varies depending on whether the case is uncontested or contested. Uncontested cases with a signed separation agreement may conclude shortly after filing, while contested cases involving business valuations or hidden assets can take longer, depending on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the issues. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation and learn what to expect
Also see our related family law pages for neighboring communities: Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer, Prince William County Family Law Lawyer, and Manassas Family Law Lawyer.
Helpful Virginia law resources: Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (Equitable Distribution) · Virginia Beach Circuit Court · Virginia Judicial System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.