Contested Divorce Lawyer Prince William County, VA

When a divorce cannot be resolved by agreement, it proceeds as a contested matter before the Prince William County Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in contested divorce proceedings that involve disputes over custody, support, equitable distribution, or the grounds themselves. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly at the Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, Virginia. A contested divorce in Virginia may involve fault-based grounds such as adultery or cruelty, or it may proceed on no-fault grounds after the statutory separation period if the parties cannot settle all issues. In either posture, the litigation process requires familiarity with local judicial expectations, discovery practice, and the eleven equitable-distribution factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. For a consultation about a contested divorce matter in Prince William County, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

On This Page

What a Contested Divorce Means in Prince William County

A contested divorce in Prince William County is one in which the spouses do not agree on one or more of the core issues: the ground for divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, or the division of marital property and debts. The matter is litigated before the Prince William County Circuit Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce under Va. Code § 20-96. The Prince William County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court may handle related custody and support matters if they are brought as separate proceedings, but the divorce itself and all associated equitable distribution claims remain in the Circuit Court.

Virginia is an equitable distribution state. The court classifies property as marital, separate, or hybrid, then divides the marital estate fairly—though not necessarily equally—after weighing the statutory factors. Contested cases frequently require formal discovery, depositions, and the engagement of attorneys such as forensic accountants or business valuators when the marital estate includes closely held businesses, professional practices, or complex retirement assets. A pendente lite hearing may be scheduled early in the case to establish temporary support and custody arrangements while the divorce is pending. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has represented clients in contested family law matters in Prince William County since 1997, appearing before the judges of the Thirty-first Judicial District.

The firm serves families throughout Prince William County, including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. The Fairfax Location at 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032, is the primary point of contact for Prince William County clients. By appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Contested Divorce Cases

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys approach contested divorce by first identifying which issues are genuinely in dispute and which may be resolvable through negotiation or mediation. Even in a contested case, a partial settlement on some issues can narrow the scope of litigation and reduce the overall cost and duration of the proceeding. The firm evaluates the facts under the relevant Virginia statutes, including the grounds for divorce in Va. Code § 20-91, the equitable distribution factors in § 20-107.3, the child-support guidelines in § 20-108.1, and the trusted-interests factors for custody in § 20-124.3.

When settlement is not achievable on a particular issue, the firm prepares the matter for trial. This includes conducting thorough discovery, engaging qualified attorneys where necessary, and developing a trial strategy tailored to the practices of the Prince William County Circuit Court. The court may order the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem for the children, and the firm works with those professionals to ensure the child’s interests are properly presented. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law in Virginia since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional experience in family law, criminal defense, and litigation, providing clients with a broad base of knowledge to draw upon in contested divorce proceedings. The firm serves Prince William County from its Fairfax Location. By appointment. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce in Virginia?

A contested divorce occurs when the spouses disagree on one or more issues, while an uncontested divorce resolves all matters by agreement. In Virginia, a contested divorce may be based on fault grounds—such as adultery, cruelty, or desertion—or on a one-year separation when the parties cannot agree. The case is litigated in the Circuit Court and may involve hearings on temporary support, discovery, and a final trial on the merits. An uncontested divorce, by contrast, typically proceeds on the no-fault ground of a six-month or one-year separation and is resolved with a signed separation agreement that the court incorporates into the final decree.

How is property divided in a contested divorce in Prince William County?

Virginia courts divide marital property equitably, meaning fairly but not necessarily equally, after considering the eleven factors listed in Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court first classifies all property as marital, separate, or part-marital. Marital property is subject to division; separate property—generally property owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance—is not. In a contested case, the parties present evidence on each factor, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the circumstances that led to the dissolution. Complex estates may require experienced attorney valuation of businesses, professional practices, or retirement accounts.

What are the grounds for a contested divorce in Virginia?

Virginia recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, willful desertion or abandonment for one year, and conviction of a felony resulting in confinement for more than one year. No-fault grounds are one year of continuous separation, or six months of separation if there are no minor children and the parties have entered into a written separation agreement. Adultery, if proven, does not require a separation period. A contested divorce on fault grounds requires the plaintiff to present evidence sufficient to satisfy the statutory elements.

How is child custody determined in a contested divorce in Prince William County?

Custody is determined by the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which lists ten factors the court must consider. These factors include the age and physical and mental condition of the child, the relationship between the child and each parent, each parent’s role in the child’s life, the willingness of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, and any history of family abuse. The Prince William County Circuit Court decides custody within the divorce case; standalone custody matters may be heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. A Guardian ad Litem may be appointed to represent the child’s interests.

Do I need a lawyer for a contested divorce in Prince William County?

While you are not legally required to have an attorney, a contested divorce involves complex procedural and evidentiary rules that make experienced legal representation important. The Virginia Rules of the Supreme Court govern service, pleadings, discovery, and trial. Missing a deadline or failing to properly present evidence can affect the outcome on property division, support, and custody. An attorney can handle the procedural requirements, engage necessary attorneys, and present your position effectively at trial. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

Can a contested divorce be resolved without a trial in Prince William County?

Yes, many contested divorces are resolved through negotiation or mediation before reaching a final trial. Even when the parties start in disagreement, ongoing settlement discussions, mediation, or a judicial settlement conference can narrow or resolve the disputed issues. A partial settlement on custody or support can still leave equitable distribution for trial, or vice versa. The firm works to resolve as many issues as possible by agreement while preparing the case thoroughly for trial on the issues that remain contested. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Related Pages:

Official Resources:

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.