Contested Divorce Lawyer Prince George County — What Are Your Options?
A contested divorce in Prince George County, Virginia, involves disputes over grounds, property, support, or custody that require court resolution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced contested divorce lawyer Prince George County representation. We have documented results in the Prince George County Circuit Court.
Virginia Contested Divorce Law and Procedure
Virginia law provides for both fault and no-fault divorces. A contested divorce arises when spouses cannot agree on one or more legal issues, requiring a judge to decide. The primary statute governing property division in a contested divorce is Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). This statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris, outlines how marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally, based on 11 statutory factors. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3, focusing on the child’s best interests.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince George County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance)
- Prince George County Circuit Court Official Website
The Contested Divorce Process in Prince George County
The contested divorce process lawyer Prince George County clients face begins with one spouse filing a Complaint for Divorce in the Prince George County Circuit Court. If the other spouse files an Answer contesting the claims, the case proceeds through discovery, potential mediation, and ultimately a trial. The key local procedural fact is that Prince George County Circuit Court, located at 6601 Courts Drive, handles all divorce trials, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Standalone custody and child support issues start in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court but may be consolidated.
- File the Complaint: One spouse files a Complaint for Divorce with the Prince George County Circuit Court clerk, stating the grounds and desired outcomes.
- Serve the Defendant & Await Answer: The other spouse is formally served and has 21 days to file an Answer, contesting the issues.
- Engage in Discovery: Both parties exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and take depositions to build their cases.
- Attempt Settlement/Mediation: The court may order or the parties may voluntarily attempt mediation to resolve issues without a trial.
- Prepare for and Attend Trial: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to a bench trial where a judge hears evidence and makes final rulings.
- Obtain the Final Decree: The judge issues a Final Decree of Divorce, legally dissolving the marriage and ordering the division of assets, support, and custody.
Potential Outcomes in a Contested Divorce
In Prince George County, a contested divorce can result in court-ordered property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support based on Virginia statutory factors.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Contested Divorce
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. Mr. Sris personally played a key role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm unique insight into the law’s application. We have a documented record of case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has 7 total documented case results across all practice areas in Prince George County, reflecting our active presence in the local courts. In family law matters, our contested divorce trial representation lawyer Prince George County team, including secondary attorney Mr. Sris—a former prosecutor and firm founder—leverages deep procedural knowledge. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in complex financial divorces involving business valuation or hidden assets.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Prince George County Contested Divorce Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients in Prince George County and the Hopewell area. We are accessible via I-295, Route 10, and Route 36. If you need a contested divorce lawyer near Prince George County Courthouse or Fort Gregg-Adams, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Contested Divorce in Prince George County: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a contested divorce take in Prince George County, Virginia?
It depends. A contested divorce typically takes 9 to 18 months from filing to trial in Prince George County Circuit Court. Complex cases with business valuations or disputed custody can extend to 12-24 months. The timeline depends on court scheduling, the extent of discovery, and settlement negotiations.
What are the grounds for a contested divorce in Virginia?
Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment. No-fault requires a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. The chosen grounds can significantly impact the divorce trial representation lawyer Prince George County strategy.
How is property divided in a Virginia contested divorce?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors, not necessarily 50/50. The court considers each spouse’s contributions, debts, and the marriage’s circumstances. Separate property acquired before marriage or via gift/inheritance is typically excluded.
Can I get spousal support in a contested divorce?
It depends. A judge may award spousal support based on 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the needs and earning capacities of each party, the marriage’s duration, and the standard of living. The outcome is not guaranteed and varies case by case.
What is the role of a Guardian ad Litem in a contested divorce?
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is an attorney appointed by the court to investigate and represent the best interests of a child in a custody dispute. In Prince George County, GAL fees typically range from $500 to $2,500+ and are often split between the parties or assigned by the court.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with related matters in criminal defense and DUI defense in Prince George County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.