Divorce Diplomacy: Resolving Conflict with Legal Knowledge

Lawyered Up: Your Partner in Divorce Success

Navigating the Crossroads of a Life-Changing Transition

Key Takeaways When Facing Divorce in Hampton

Virginia Residency is Required: Before filing for divorce, at least one spouse must be a resident and domiciliary of Virginia for a minimum of six months, as stipulated by Virginia Code § 20-97.
Separation is the First Step for No-Fault Divorce: To obtain a no-fault divorce, you must live separate and apart without cohabitation for one year, or six months if you have no minor children and have a signed separation agreement.
Property is Divided Equitably, Not Equally: Virginia is an “equitable distribution” state (Virginia Code § 20-107.3). Marital assets and debts are divided fairly, which may not mean a 50/50 split, based on numerous factors.
Military Divorces Have Unique Complexities: Service members and their spouses in Hampton face specific challenges regarding the division of military pensions, Thrift Savings Plans (TSP), and navigating custody arrangements during deployment.
The Child’s Best Interest is Paramount: All decisions regarding child custody and visitation are governed by the “best interests of the child” standard, detailed in Virginia Code § 20-124.3.

Charged with a Speeding Ticket, Reckless Driving, or DUI? We Defend Drivers and Protect Your License. A traffic charge is more than an inconvenience; it’s a legal challenge that can threaten your license, your financial stability, and even your freedom. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we are not a general practice firm. We are a dedicated criminal traffic defense firm focused exclusively on defending drivers. For over two decades, I and my team have stood beside thousands of clients in courtrooms across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New York, and New Jersey. We understand the nuances of each state’s laws and the specific procedures of their traffic court systems.

Whether you’re an out-of-state driver caught speeding through Virginia, a CDL holder facing a career-ending ticket in New Jersey, or a resident dealing with a first-offense DUI in Maryland, our purpose is to provide a robust, knowledgeable defense. We only represent the accused. Our entire practice is built around challenging the state’s case against you and working tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that’s a reduction of the charge, a dismissal, or an acquittal at trial. Your driving record is a valuable asset, and we are here to help you protect it.

Serving Families Across Hampton Roads

While our focus is on serving the families of Hampton, we understand that legal needs know no city limits. The attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. regularly provide representation to clients throughout the Hampton Roads and Tidewater region. We have a deep familiarity with the circuit courts and juvenile and domestic relations courts across the area, including:

Newport News
Poquoson
Yorktown and York County
Williamsburg
Norfolk
Isle of Wight County

Our regional experience ensures we are prepared to handle the specific nuances of your case, regardless of which jurisdiction in the greater Hampton Roads area is appropriate for your filing.

Dedicated Counsel for Hampton's Military Families

Hampton is not just a city; it’s a community deeply connected to our nation’s defense, home to Langley Air Force Base and in close proximity to Norfolk Naval Station. Military life brings unique challenges, and when a military marriage ends, those challenges become legal complexities that require knowledgeable counsel. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is adept at handling the specific issues that affect service members and their spouses.

Division of Military Retirement and Pensions: We provide clear guidance on the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA), ensuring the proper calculation and division of disposable retired pay.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Division: We ensure that military retirement assets like the TSP are correctly valued and divided pursuant to a court order.
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): We help clients understand their rights and options regarding the SBP, a crucial financial protection for former spouses.
Child Custody During Deployment and Relocation: Military orders can complicate custody arrangements. We work to create resilient and fair parenting plans that account for the realities of military service, including deployment and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, while always prioritizing the children’s stability.
Navigating Jurisdiction and Service of Process: We understand the specific rules that govern where a military divorce can be filed and how to properly serve a spouse who may be stationed overseas.

You have served our country. Now, let us serve you by protecting your rights and securing your family’s future.

Understanding the Consequences of Divorce in Virginia

A divorce decree is more than a document; it’s an order that will reshape your life. The immediate and long-term consequences can be significant, affecting everything from your daily routine to your long-term financial health. Acknowledging these potential impacts is the first step toward strategically managing them.

Financial Consequences: The division of assets and debts can drastically alter your net worth. Spousal support obligations, whether paid or received, will impact your monthly budget. Your retirement plans may need to be completely re-evaluated.
Parental Consequences: You will transition from co-parenting under one roof to navigating a formal custody and visitation schedule. This requires a new way of communicating and making decisions about your children’s education, healthcare, and general welfare.
Emotional Consequences: The emotional toll of divorce is undeniable. The process can be draining, and the outcome requires adjusting to a new personal identity and social life. Having a support system and a clear legal strategy is vital to navigating this stress.
Logistical Consequences: From finding a new place to live to changing your name or updating your estate plan, a divorce sets off a cascade of necessary logistical changes.

The Virginia Divorce Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

The journey through a Virginia divorce follows a structured legal path. While each case is unique, the general process involves several key stages. Our role is to guide you through each one, ensuring your rights are protected at every turn.

Meeting Residency and Separation Requirements: As mentioned, one party must reside in Virginia for six months. For a no-fault divorce, the required separation period (six or twelve months) must be met before filing.
Filing the Complaint for Divorce: The process officially begins when one spouse (the Plaintiff) files a “Complaint for Divorce” with the appropriate Circuit Court.
Service of Process: The other spouse (the Defendant) must be formally notified of the lawsuit.
The Discovery Phase: This is the information-gathering stage where both sides exchange relevant financial documents and other information.
Negotiation and Settlement (Mediation): Many divorce cases are resolved outside of court through negotiation or mediation, formalized in a Property Settlement Agreement.
Pendente Lite Hearing (If Necessary): A temporary hearing can put orders in place for custody and support while the divorce is pending.
Trial: If parties cannot agree, a judge will hear evidence and make a final ruling.
Final Decree of Divorce: The court issues a Final Decree of Divorce, which legally ends the marriage and finalizes all orders.

Our Team

Experienced Attorneys Who Are Here To Help You!

Criminal Defense & Family Law

Mr. SRIS Licensed in VA, MD, NJ, NY, DC
Owner & CEO – Former Prosecutor

Family Law, Traffic Law & Criminal Law

CHERITA LEWIS Licensed in VA, MD & DC
(Of Counsel)

Our Comprehensive Family Law Services

The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced counsel across the full spectrum of divorce and family law matters in Hampton.

Types of Divorce

Uncontested Divorce: For couples who agree on all major issues.
Contested Divorce: When you and your spouse cannot agree on key terms.
No-Fault & Fault-Based Divorce: Handling divorces based on separation or grounds like adultery or desertion.
High-Asset Divorce: For cases involving complex financial portfolios.

Core Family Law Issues

Child Custody and Visitation: Developing parenting plans that serve the best interests of your children.
Child Support: Ensuring child support is calculated correctly according to Virginia’s statutory guidelines.
Spousal Support (Alimony): Advocating for fair and appropriate spousal support outcomes.
Property and Asset Division: Working to achieve a fair division of all marital property and debts.
Virginia Separation Agreements: Meticulously drafting and reviewing these critical contracts.
Adoption: Guiding families through the legal process of adoption.
Protective Orders: Acting swiftly to help clients obtain protective orders in situations involving domestic violence.

Strategic Pathways to a Favorable Outcome

Our firm’s philosophy is rooted in strategic planning and meticulous preparation. As the firm’s founder, I, Mr. Sris, personally led the effort to successfully amend Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the Commonwealth’s equitable distribution statute. This experience gives our firm a unique and profound understanding of how to protect our clients’ financial futures. By keeping my personal caseload purposefully limited, I ensure that each client benefits from deep involvement and careful planning. This ethos extends to our entire team of veteran attorneys, who bring well over a decade of practice experience to every case.

Case Result Showcase

Our experience across Hampton Roads allows us to effectively represent clients. Here are some anonymized examples of our work in nearby jurisdictions.

Case: Family Law Matter Jurisdiction: York County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Outcome: DISMISSED. Our strategic defense led to a full dismissal of the case.

Case: Family Law Matter Jurisdiction: Williamsburg/James City County Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court Outcome: DISMISSED. We secured a dismissal, protecting our client from further proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I file for divorce in Hampton, VA?

The process begins by filing a Complaint for Divorce at the Hampton Circuit Court Clerk's office, provided you meet residency and separation requirements.

What are the residency requirements for divorce in Virginia?

Either you or your spouse must have been a resident of Virginia for at least six months prior to filing.

How is property divided in a Hampton divorce? Virginia uses an "equitable distribution" model. Marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily 50/50, based on numerous factors.

How is property divided in a Hampton divorce?

Virginia uses an "equitable distribution" model. Marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily 50/50, based on numerous factors.

What is the cost of a divorce in Hampton, Virginia?

The cost varies. An uncontested divorce is significantly less expensive than a contested divorce that requires a trial.

Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in VA?

It is highly recommended to ensure your separation agreement is drafted correctly, protects your rights, and all court documents are filed properly.

Take Control of Your Recovery

When you are facing the aftermath of a serious accident, you need more than just a lawyer. You need an advocate with decades of hard-won experience who understands the law, the opposition, and the personal turmoil you are experiencing. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we provide the knowledgeable guidance and determined representation needed to navigate the path forward.

If you or a loved one has been injured in Virginia, Maryland, D.C., New York, or New Jersey, we invite you to reach out to our firm. Let our experience work for you.

Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at 888-437-7747 to schedule a confidential case assessment.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.