Contested Divorce Lawyer King George County, VA

A contested divorce in King George County, Virginia, means that you and your spouse cannot reach agreement on one or more key issues—such as property division, spousal support, child custody, or child support—and the case will proceed to litigation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, represents individuals in King George, Dahlgren, and throughout the county. Our Fairfax location serves the area, and we appear regularly before the King George County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. If you are navigating a contested divorce and need clear guidance on the legal path ahead, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Contested Divorce in King George County, Virginia

King George County lies within Virginia’s Fifteenth Judicial District. Contested divorce cases are heard in the King George County Circuit Court, located at 10446 Government Center Boulevard, Suite 105, King George, Virginia 22485. Matters involving custody, visitation, and child support while the divorce is pending are typically handled in the King George County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. In a contested divorce, one or both parties disagree on the resolution of marital property, spousal maintenance, the parenting plan, or other issues, and the court ultimately decides after full litigation.

Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning the Circuit Court divides marital property fairly but not necessarily equally under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court considers statutory factors that include the duration of the marriage, the contributions of each spouse, the circumstances that contributed to the dissolution, and the tax consequences of any proposed division. Separate property—assets acquired before the marriage or by gift or inheritance—is generally excluded from division.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Contested Divorce Cases

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel take a focused approach to each contested divorce. They begin by understanding your priorities with respect to property division, spousal support, child custody, and support obligations. They gather the financial records, business valuations, retirement account statements, and other evidence necessary to build a complete picture of the marital estate. Throughout the process they work to safeguard your interests while seeking to negotiate a favorable settlement when possible; when a trial becomes necessary, they prepare thoroughly and present your position before the court.

Mr. Sris, as a former prosecutor, brings to the courtroom the perspective of someone who has tried cases from the other side. His Of Counsel attorneys contribute decades of combined litigation experience. Together they work to achieve outcomes that reflect your goals while remaining realistic about the risks and costs of contested litigation. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he concentrates his practice on family law, including contested divorce, equitable distribution, custody, and support matters. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), the legislation that revised Va. Code § 20-107.3. His Of Counsel team includes attorneys with backgrounds in former Maryland prosecution, former Virginia State Trooper work, and extensive family law trial experience. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, supported by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.

The firm has documented 8 case results in King George County across all practice areas, with an 88% favorable outcome rate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the grounds for a contested divorce in Virginia?

A contested divorce in Virginia may proceed on fault-based grounds or no-fault separation. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, willful desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for more than one year. No-fault divorce requires a separation period of either one year, or six months if there are no minor children and the parties have entered into a written separation agreement. The specific ground chosen can affect property division and spousal support, especially in cases of adultery. The King George County Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all divorce complaints filed in the county.

How does equitable distribution work in a King George County contested divorce?

Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court classifies property as marital, separate, or hybrid, then distributes the marital estate equitably after considering eleven statutory factors. These factors include each spouse’s monetary and non-monetary contributions, the duration of the marriage, the ages and health of the parties, and the circumstances that led to the divorce. Separate property—such as assets owned before the marriage or inherited by one spouse—remains with that party. The judge has broad discretion to fashion a division that is fair, though not necessarily equal.

How is child custody decided in a contested divorce in King George County?

Custody and visitation are determined by the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court evaluates ten statutory factors, including the child’s age and needs, the relationship between the child and each parent, each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, and any history of family abuse. While a divorce action is pending in Circuit Court, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court may enter temporary custody and support orders. A Guardian ad Litem may be appointed to represent the child’s interests in contested custody disputes.

How long does a contested divorce take in King George County?

The timeline for a contested divorce varies depending on the complexity of the issues, the court’s calendar, and whether the parties reach a settlement. Cases with significant marital assets, business valuations, or disputed custody can take longer to resolve. While uncontested divorces that meet Virginia’s separation requirements may be finalized relatively quickly once the statutory period has run, a contested case that proceeds to trial generally extends over many months. An attorney can provide a candid assessment of the likely duration after reviewing the specific facts.

Do I need a lawyer for a contested divorce in King George County?

You are not required by Virginia law to hire a lawyer, but navigating a contested divorce without legal representation can put your rights at risk. Contested divorces involve complex rules of evidence, discovery procedures, and statutory factors that affect property division, spousal support, and custody. A lawyer helps you understand what you are entitled to seek, what you may be obligated to pay, and the procedural steps required to present your case effectively. An attorney can also negotiate on your behalf, potentially narrowing the issues before trial.

What is the role of spousal support in a Virginia contested divorce?

Spousal support—also called alimony—may be awarded based on the financial need of one spouse and the ability of the other to pay, as evaluated under Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court examines factors that include the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the contributions each made to the family. Support may be temporary (pendente lite) during the divorce or awarded as part of the final decree. Fault, particularly adultery, can impact spousal support eligibility.

Can a contested divorce be settled before trial in King George County?

Yes, many contested divorces resolve through negotiation or mediation before reaching a final trial. Even when the parties initially disagree on key issues, settlement discussions, voluntary discovery, and mediation often produce a comprehensive separation agreement that addresses property, support, and custody. The court encourages settlement and will incorporate the parties’ agreement into the final divorce decree if the terms are lawful and not unconscionable. Resolving a contested divorce through settlement can save significant time and expense.

Is Virginia a community property state?

No, Virginia is not a community property state; it follows the equitable distribution model. This means the court does not automatically divide marital property 50/50. Instead, it considers a list of statutory factors and orders a division that is fair under the circumstances. Only marital property is subject to division; separate property remains with the owning spouse. The same equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, applies in King George County Circuit Court.

What does a contested divorce lawyer do?

A contested divorce lawyer investigates the marital estate, gathers evidence, negotiates with the opposing side, and represents you at trial if settlement efforts do not succeed. The lawyer identifies all marital and separate property, works with financial attorneys when necessary to value businesses or retirement accounts, and prepares a proposed parenting plan if children are involved. Throughout the case, the lawyer advises on realistic goals, the strength of the evidence, and the likely range of outcomes. The goal is to protect your rights while moving the case toward a resolution that reflects your priorities.

How do I start a contested divorce in King George County?

A contested divorce begins by filing a Complaint for Divorce in the King George County Circuit Court, serving the complaint on the other spouse, and proceeding through the court’s case schedule. The complaint must allege at least one ground for divorce recognized under Virginia law and state the relief you are requesting, such as equitable distribution, spousal support, custody, or child support. After service, the court may enter pendente lite orders regarding temporary support, custody, and use of the marital residence while the case is pending. An attorney can prepare and file the necessary pleadings, ensure proper service, and guide you through each stage of the litigation.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Meetings by appointment at our Fairfax location. By appointment only.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.