A Virginia Beach Family Law Practice Serving Hampton Roads

A Virginia Family Law Firm Helping Families and Solving Problems

Since opening its doors in 2006, Burroughs Law Office, P.C. (dba) Frugal Legal Services has committed itself to serving the Tidewater region's legal needs with honesty, integrity, and earnest compassion. We practice family law in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth. We also provide representation in uncontested divorces for all residents of Virginia, no matter which county or city they call home.

A Focused Intention on Virginia Family Law

We are dedicated to redefining the family law practice. Simply put, we put family first. Now, don’t think that just because we value family, we aren’t willing to do what needs to be done. On the contrary, we work diligently to achieve our clients’ ultimate goals. Our approach, however, is to help ensure that what you think you want is what you need. After all, you are looking for any attorney, not an order taker, right? You need someone knowledgeable and fearless, dedicated to you and your needs.

Suppose you only need a simple uncontested (no-fault) divorce in Virginia. In that case, we have several options, ranging from our most affordable online divorce option to a more personalized approach in our office. Frugal Legal Services is offered in all Virginia cities/counties and starts at an all-inclusive price of just $500.00. No matter how you proceed, we know you aren’t interested in spending a lot of money. Of course, you want competent legal representation, but let’s be honest - when it’s all said and done, you want competent and affordable legal representation.

If you need help with a child custody or parenting time/visitation matter, we have many options available. Maybe you and your child’s other parent have reached an agreement on custody but don’t know where to turn. We have you covered there as well. We can process everything for you for a fair flat-rate fee without you even stepping foot in a courtroom. If you can’t reach an agreement, we can lay out your options and help you achieve your goal. We are compassionate but brutally honest. We don’t try and convince you we can accomplish something we can’t just so you’ll hire us, but we will fight until the end for our clients. We do what it takes to get the job done!

We offer individual meetings by appointment, with teleconferences and video conferences after hours and on weekends, depending on your needs. To help you determine whether you need a lawyer, we offer $100 introductory Zoom consultations for prospective clients. Please read our frequently asked questions for more details. We have additional information on family law-related matters on our blog.

Quality Legal Representation in Family Law Matters for an Affordable Flat Fee

We offer a flat fee billing option for many services, including some contested legal matters. What does this mean for you? Simply put, you can call without worrying about how much we charge by the minute, and you can rest assured that we are working diligently toward a resolution in your case. This helps align the lawyer's and client's interests in a way billable hours cannot.

If you prefer, we bill by the hour and track each phone call, copy, and email; we will. No fees are hidden, and everything will be disclosed every step of the way. However, we think you will find that a flat-fee approach to billing makes more sense for most people.

This approach frees our clients from financial worries. You will know upfront what your legal services will cost. Visit Frugal Legal Services for information on our low-cost online divorce options! There is additional information located on our uncontested divorce page as well.

Contact Burroughs Law Office, P.C. (dba) Frugal Legal Services, to speak with an attorney about your family law needs today—call (757) 363-0077 with any questions.

Burroughs Law Office, P.C. (dba) Frugal Legal Services is conveniently located at the intersection of Virginia Beach Boulevard and Little Neck Road, just minutes from the new Town Center development in the heart of Virginia Beach.

Burroughs Law Office, P.C. (dba) Frugal Legal Services Pledges to Uphold the Following Standards for All Virginia Families:

1. Support the Rights of LGBTIA+ Parents

Our children deserve to be loved, and our families deserve to be protected. We must respect LGBTIA+ families and our children’s relationships with their parents. Even though the dissolution of our families, we must protect the best interests of our children and show respect for LGBTIA+ families.

2. Honor Existing Relationships Regardless of Legal Labels

Recognize and affirm the actual relationships between the parents and the children. You should sign written agreements and, where possible, establish legal protections for parental relationships. Whether you have taken these steps, agreements to share parenting or allow a vital relationship to develop with another parent or significant adult should control whether those agreements are written.

3. Honor the Children’s Existing Parental Relationships After a Break-Up

The well-being of our children depends on the continuity of their relationships with the significant adults in their lives. Abrupt termination of such relationships is damaging. Sustaining these relationships should be the primary goal of resolving any custody dispute.

4. Maintain Continuity For the Children

Parents who are separating should start with the presumption that an arrangement that most closely resembles the children’s relationships with the people they regard as parents is best, taking into account, of course, whether there has been any abuse or neglect that interferes with a person’s ability to parent. All parents should continue to provide financial support for their children.

5. Seek a Voluntary Resolution

Using mediation will reduce the conflict and disruption that the children face. If the parents are at an impasse, consider retaining the services of a mediator knowledgeable about LGBTIA+ families who can help the parents reach an agreement.

If possible, have the agreement confirmed by a court. A court order approving the parents’ understanding and setting out a custody or visitation arrangement is the best solution.

6. Remember That Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

The end of a relationship is complex and disruptive. Parents should avoid impulsive and expedient decisions likely to harm their children. Seek professional assistance to help determine what will be best for the children.

7. Investigate Allegations Of Abuse

Abusive relationships can and sometimes do occur in LGBTIA+ families. Allegations of abuse, whether true or false, seriously impact everyone in the family and should be carefully assessed. If abuse has occurred, seek assistance from domestic violence services and tell your attorney about the situation.

False abuse allegations can occur and threaten to disrupt the children’s relationship with their parents. Do not use false claims of abuse to get an edge in the custody dispute.

Attorneys must explore allegations of abuse to determine whether abuse has occurred and, if it has, to choose an appropriate parenting plan.

8. The Absence of Agreements or Legal Relationships Should Not Determine The Outcome

Whether or not legal steps have been taken should not be the only determining factor. Legal protections are not available in many states. What matters is how adults have viewed their relationships with their children over time. Respect for the children’s relationships with the adults they view as parents is paramount.

9. Treat Litigation as a Last Resort

Litigation is the kind of winner-takes-all approach that can destroy existing relationships and undermine the trust needed to share parenting responsibilities. It is also costly and time-consuming and compromises the family’s privacy because court proceedings are usually open to the public. Equally important, however, is that litigation can establish bad legal precedents and thereby institutionalize disrespect for LGBTIA+ families.

10. Refuse to Accept or Promote Homophobic-Transphobic Laws or Sentiments

It is wrong and unethical for parents or lawyers to take advantage of anti-LGBTIA+ laws. Do not resort to arguments that a person who is not a legal parent has no right to seek custody or visitation. The stress or angst over the end of a relationship can sometimes stir the flames of internalized homophobia or transphobia. A parent’s anti-LGBTIA+ sentiments can hurt the children and should be confronted. The best interests of the children should control decisions concerning custody and visitation.

No one should reveal or threaten to tell the sexual orientation or transgender status of an opposing parent in an attempt to harass or intimidate the other parent.

-SOURCE: GLAD Standards for LGBT Families