Contested Divorce Lawyer in Virginia — What Is Your Best Strategy?

A contested divorce in Virginia involves disputes over grounds, property, support, or custody that require court resolution. Under Va. Code § 20-91, fault grounds like adultery or cruelty can be argued, impacting equitable distribution under § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced divorce representation for complex marriage dissolution cases statewide. Our contested divorce lawyer Virginia team offers 24/7 consultations.

Last verified: April 2026 | Statewide — court varies by locality | Virginia General Assembly

Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, by a judge if spouses cannot agree. The process for a contested divorce filing is governed by specific statutes and local court rules. A contested divorce attorney must handle pleadings, discovery, motions, and potentially a trial to resolve issues like asset division, spousal support, and child custody.

Virginia Contested Divorce Law and Procedure

The statutory framework for divorce in Virginia is found in Title 20, Chapter 6 of the Virginia Code. A contested case typically begins with one spouse filing a Complaint for Divorce in the Circuit Court of the county or city where either party resides. The other spouse must file an Answer, and the case proceeds through the litigation process. The Virginia Court System provides resources on court locations and procedures.

1. File a Complaint for Divorce stating the grounds (fault or no-fault) and relief sought (custody, support, property division).
2. Serve the Complaint and a Summons on the other spouse according to Virginia rules of service.
3. Engage in discovery, which may include interrogatories, requests for documents, and depositions to gather financial and case information.
4. Attend settlement conferences or mediation to attempt to resolve issues without a trial.
5. If settlement fails, prepare for and participate in a final divorce hearing or trial before a judge.
6. Obtain a Final Decree of Divorce from the court outlining all rulings.

Potential Outcomes in a Contested Virginia Divorce

In Virginia, a contested divorce can result in court-ordered division of marital property, awards of spousal and child support, and establishment of custody and visitation schedules based on the best interests of the child.

Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.

Why Choose Our Firm for Your Virginia Contested Divorce

Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, personally played a role in amending Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the state’s equitable distribution statute, giving our team direct insight into the law’s application. We have a firm-wide track record of 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate in family law and other practice areas.

Case Results and Client Focus

Our contested divorce lawyer Virginia team has achieved documented results for clients across the state. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we have 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris, our founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides valuable oversight on cases involving complex financial assets.

Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.

Our Virginia location serves clients statewide. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. We are a contested divorce lawyer near Virginia residents seeking experienced legal counsel for marriage dissolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist clients with related matters like traffic defense in Virginia.

Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.