How much does it cost to hire Anna for a family law case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Anna walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Anna offer a free consultation?

Anna charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Anna's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Anna's current terms during booking.

How long do family law cases in Virginia typically take?

Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Anna gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Anna take my case if I'm outside Virginia Beach?

Anna is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Anna will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Anna?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Anna will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Anna accepting new family law clients right now?

Anna's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Anna Ernest, Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach

Quick answer

Anna Ernest is an attorney based in Virginia Beach, VA. The practice focuses on Family Law, Immigration, and Internet. Anna has over 13 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ernest Law Group, PLC. Rated 3.8 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.

Based in: Virginia Beach, VA
Experience: over 13 years
Known for: Family Law · Immigration · Internet

Handles Family Law, Immigration, and Internet matters from Virginia Beach, VA.
Over 13 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Anna takes on

Anna concentrates on family law, immigration, internet, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Anna handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Family Law cases in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Anna takes family law matters in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Anna agrees to represent you.

Immigration cases in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Anna takes immigration matters in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Anna agrees to represent you.

Internet cases in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Anna takes internet matters in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Anna agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Anna takes personal injury matters in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Anna agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Anna Ernest — family law lawyer in Virginia Beach

Anna Ernest is an attorney based in Virginia Beach, VA. The practice focuses on Family Law, Immigration, and Internet. Anna has over 13 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ernest Law Group, PLC. Rated 3.8 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.

Anna Ernest, the proud owner of Ernest Law Group PLC, is a highly sought-after and recognized advocate. Ms. Ernest is regarded as a determined, assertive, innovative, and client-dedicated attorney.

Ms. Ernest is among a select few attorneys in the country practicing in the area of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), a method used by so many who are unable to conceive on their own, and which includes contractual agreements for an egg donor, sperm donor, embryo donor, and/or gestational carrier or surrogate. Ms. Ernest is privileged to support diverse families, whether they're individuals, heterosexual pairs, or same-sex partners. A fast-changing area of law, Ms. Ernest counsels couples and individuals on the legal issues involved in utilizing ART before drafting a contract that meets their specific and unique needs.

She also has over 10 years of experience in complex Immigration Law, Personal Injury Law, and federal and state civil litigation.

For her substantial accomplishments, Ms. Ernest has been consistently voted by her peers as a “Super Lawyer,” named “Virginia’s Legal Elite,” recognized as a “Top Lawyer” by Coastal Virginia Magazine, selected to the list of “Top 40 Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers, received a “Superb Rating” from Avvo.com, amongst many other distinctions. Ms. Ernest has also been interviewed numerous times by television and print media, including NBC, The Virginia Lawyers Weekly and The News Channel 3, regarding her publicized cases and in search of her professional opinion on legal issues affecting cases both nationally and in Virginia. Ms. Ernest often presents in front of her peers on various topics of her legal expertise.

Courtroom and award success aside, Ms. Ernest values the relationships she builds with her clients and remains a caring and honest legal advocate, striving to address each client’s concerns and goals within their unique situation.

Ms. Ernest was born and raised in Rostov-on-Don, Southern Russia, and for the past eighteen years she has lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was during her first visit to the United States in 2004, that Ms. Ernest realized her life’s dream. When she observed her first court hearing, she became fascinated how the integrity of the American judicial system gave every citizen a voice and a chance to right a wrong, regardless of their background. Ms. Ernest returned to the United States in 2006 and worked hard at becoming fluent in English, getting accepted to law school, becoming a citizen, and then passing the Virginia State Bar and becoming a licensed attorney in 2013. Ms. Ernest believes that America is truly a unique country that provides opportunities for everyone, and she is proud to represent the American Dream come true.

Awards & Recognitions

• Virginia's Legal Elite - Young Lawyer, Virginia Business Magazine

• Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia, The Business Magazine of Coastal Virginia

• Top 40 Under 40, The National Advocates

• Super Lawyer, Rising Star

• Clients' Choice Award, Avvo

• Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia, Coastal Virginia Magazine

• Clients' Choice Award - Divorce and Separation, Avvo

• Clients' Choice Award - Immigration , Avvo

Associations & Memberships

• Virginia Beach Bar Association

• Virginia Women Attorney's Association

• Virginia Trial Lawyer's Association

Anna's approach to family law cases

Anna Ernest, the proud owner of Ernest Law Group PLC, is a highly sought-after and recognized advocate. Ms. Ernest is regarded as a determined, assertive, innovative, and client-dedicated attorney. Ms. Ernest is among a select few attorneys in the country practicing in the area of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), a method used by so many who are unable to conceive on their own, and which…

Clients Anna works with

Anna reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law, immigration, and internet matters in Virginia Beach and the surrounding Virginia area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Regent University School of Law
J.D. · 2013
Russian State University of Commerce
B.S. Accounting · 2005

Jurisdictions

Anna's state bar admissions

Virginia
2013 · ACTIVE

Anna studied at J.D. in Regent University School of Law and B.S. Accounting in Russian State University of Commerce.

Law school and academic background

Anna completed J.D. in Regent University School of Law and B.S. Accounting in Russian State University of Commerce. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Anna runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Anna has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Anna Ernest's office in Virginia Beach

Anna's primary office is at 4560 South Blvd, Suite 300, Virginia Beach, VA, 23452. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Ernest Law Group, PLC

4560 South Blvd, Suite 300

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Anna Ernest — 3.8/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Anna. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing family law attorneys in Virginia Beach.

3.8

6 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Anna Ernest claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Anna Ernest — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Anna usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Anna charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Anna's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Anna will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a family law attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Anna

Anna discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Anna confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Anna's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Anna Ernest

How much does it cost to hire Anna for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Anna walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Anna offer a free consultation?
Anna charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Anna's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Anna's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Anna gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Anna take my case if I'm outside Virginia Beach?
Anna is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Anna will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Anna?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Anna will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Anna accepting new family law clients right now?
Anna's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Virginia residents in the last few months, answered by family law attorneys like Anna Ernest. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How does military divorce differ in Virginia?
My spouse is in the military and we’re starting the divorce process in Virginia. I’m concerned about how the laws differ from a civilian divorce and what unique factors I need to c
1 verified answer · Family Law · Virginia
Can I request a domestic violence restraining order in Hawaii?
I've been in an abusive relationship and I live in Hawaii. I’m terrified for my safety and need to know if I can file for a domestic violence restraining order. What steps do I nee
1 verified answer · Family Law · Hawaii
Are verbal agreements enforceable in New York custody cases?
I had an informal verbal agreement with my ex about custody arrangements for our son, but now she wants to change it. I live in New York, and I’m not sure if this verbal agreement
1 verified answer · Family Law · New York
How do I enforce a child support order in Michigan?
My ex-husband hasn’t paid child support in over three months, and I’m in Michigan. I’m at my wit's end trying to support our two kids and need to know how I can enforce our child s
1 verified answer · Family Law · Michigan
What is the process for adopting a child in Illinois?
My partner and I want to adopt a child in Illinois, and we’re excited but overwhelmed by the process. We’re unsure about what paperwork we need to file and how long the entire proc
1 verified answer · Family Law · Illinois
How is child custody determined in Ohio?
I’m going through a tough divorce in Ohio, and my ex and I are already arguing about custody of our 9-year-old daughter. I want to have a clear understanding of how custody is dete
1 verified answer · Family Law · Ohio

Areas served

Family Law attorneys serving Virginia Beach, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia

Anna handles family law matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.