Contested Divorce Lawyer Near Me
When you search for a “contested divorce lawyer near me,” you are likely in the middle of a difficult marital breakdown and need an attorney who can handle the disputes that will shape your future. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has been representing clients in contested divorce matters since 1997. Our firm serves individuals throughout Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. From property division and spousal support to child custody and visitation, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to protect your rights at every stage. We maintain locations in Fairfax, Richmond, Ashburn, Arlington, and Woodstock, and we appear in courts across the Commonwealth, including the Roanoke Valley. Our attorneys understand the local rules and judicial expectations in Virginia’s circuit courts and juvenile and domestic relations district courts. By choosing a firm with deep roots in the community, you gain the advantage of local knowledge combined with multi‑state resources. We invite you to call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation at a location near you.
What Contested Divorce Means in Virginia
In Virginia, a contested divorce is one where the spouses cannot agree on all of the issues that must be resolved before a marriage can be dissolved. Even if both parties want the marriage to end, disagreements over property division, spousal support, child custody, or child support turn a divorce into a contested litigation matter. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning that marital property is divided fairly—but not necessarily equally—based on a set of statutory factors. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a bill that revised the state’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Virginia’s no-fault divorce requires a six-month separation if the parties have no minor children and a written separation agreement, or a one-year separation otherwise.
Source: Va. Code § 20-91(9). Va. Code § 20-91
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Fault grounds—such as adultery, cruelty, or desertion—can also be asserted in Virginia. When fault is alleged, the divorce is inherently contested and may move to litigation. Court proceedings take place in the Virginia Circuit Court for the county where one of the parties resides, while custody and support matters are heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. A contested divorce begins when one spouse files a Complaint for Divorce and the other spouse files an answer disputing one or more aspects. The issues typically in dispute include the classification and division of marital assets, the amount and duration of spousal support, the award of child custody and visitation, and the calculation of child support. Because multiple issues are involved, a contested divorce often takes longer and requires more resources than an uncontested one.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Contested Divorce Cases
At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we approach each contested divorce with a clear strategy. Our first step is to understand your goals and the facts of your situation. We then work to identify the issues in dispute and gather the documentation needed to support your position. In Virginia, the court must determine equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, considering factors such as the length of the marriage, contributions of each spouse, and the circumstances that led to the separation. Our approach involves a thorough investigation of the marital estate: bank accounts, retirement assets, real estate, business interests, and debts. In many cases, we engage valuation attorneys to present credible evidence to the court.
When child custody is at issue, we gather testimony from teachers, medical providers, and other witnesses. Negotiation is always our first priority, and many contested cases settle before a trial is necessary. However, if the matter proceeds to a final hearing, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to present a persuasive case, drawing on years of trial experience in Virginia’s circuit courts. We work to achieve a resolution that is fair under the law and protects your long-term financial well-being. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved, so that you can make sound decisions about your future.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris keeps a focused personal caseload so that he can remain directly involved in each matter. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). This legislative background gives him a thorough understanding of Virginia’s family law statutes.
Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to contested divorce cases. Results may vary. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are independent practitioners who work directly with the firm to serve clients in multiple jurisdictions. Together, the team handles the full range of contested divorce issues, from complex property division involving business interests to high-conflict custody battles. We serve clients from our locations in Fairfax, Richmond, Woodstock, Ashburn, and Arlington, Virginia, as well as in Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. To discuss your matter, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a contested divorce?
A contested divorce is a divorce in which the spouses disagree on one or more legal issues, such as property division, child custody, or spousal support, and the court must decide the outcome. Unlike an uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms and file a settlement agreement, a contested divorce involves negotiations, hearings, and possibly a trial. Even if only one issue remains unresolved—for example, how to divide a retirement account—the divorce is contested. Contested divorces take longer and are generally more costly than uncontested ones, but they offer a path to a court-ordered resolution when agreement is impossible. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How is property divided in a contested divorce in Virginia?
Virginia courts divide marital property under the principle of equitable distribution, which means property is split fairly based on a list of statutory factors, not necessarily equally. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the judge first classifies assets as marital, separate, or part‑marital. Then the court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, the contributions of each party, the circumstances surrounding the dissolution, and the tax consequences of the division. For complex marital estates—such as those involving business valuations or stock options—the process can be intricate. The judge has broad discretion, so skilled advocacy is important. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a contested divorce?
While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, representing yourself in a contested divorce is risky because the issues can involve complex legal and financial questions that have long-term consequences. A contested divorce may involve discovery, depositions, and trial preparation. Without a lawyer, you may overlook key facts or fail to present evidence effectively. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights under Virginia law, negotiate on your behalf, and protect your financial interests. In many cases, having legal representation leads to a more favorable settlement or judgment. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What if my spouse refuses to sign divorce papers?
If your spouse refuses to sign divorce papers, you can still proceed with a contested divorce by filing a Complaint for Divorce and serving your spouse, allowing the court to move forward even without the other party’s cooperation. In Virginia, you must properly serve your spouse with the divorce complaint, and the court will set a schedule. If your spouse does not respond, you may be able to obtain a default judgment. However, if your spouse contests the divorce, the case will proceed to litigation. It is critical to have legal counsel handle service and all procedural requirements. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How long does a contested divorce take in Virginia?
The timeline for a contested divorce in Virginia varies widely, often taking nine to eighteen months or longer, depending on the complexity of the issues, the court’s schedule, and the parties’ willingness to settle. Factors that can prolong a case include disputes over child custody, business valuations, and the need for expert witnesses. A no-fault divorce requires a separation period of either six months or one year before filing, which also adds to the overall duration. When both parties work toward a resolution through mediation or negotiation, the process can move more quickly. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
How do I choose a contested divorce lawyer near me?
Look for a lawyer who is experienced in family law in your jurisdiction, has a record of handling contested cases, and communicates clearly about your options. Check whether the attorney is admitted to practice in your state and is familiar with local court practices. Ask about the attorney’s approach to negotiation and trial, and make sure you feel comfortable discussing personal financial information. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel offer consultations by appointment, and we have locations across Virginia to serve clients near them. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a conversation about your contested divorce.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.