Contested Divorce Lawyer Arlington County, VA

You and your spouse have decided the marriage is over, but you cannot agree on who gets the house, how much support is fair, or where the children will live. You are facing a contested divorce in Arlington County, Virginia, and you need a clear path forward. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with clients through every stage of a contested divorce — from filing the Complaint in Arlington County Circuit Court to final resolution — and can be reached at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Strategy for a Contested Divorce in Arlington County

A contested divorce does not necessarily mean a trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel focus on identifying the points of agreement early — sometimes just one issue that can be resolved by negotiation — while preparing every case as if it will go to a hearing before the Arlington County Circuit Court. The strategy is built around a realistic assessment of how Virginia’s equitable-distribution factors under Va. Code § 20‑107.3 apply to your specific situation. For custody disputes, the firm frames arguments around the trusted‑interests factors under § 20‑124.3 and presents the evidence the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court expects to see.

When negotiation stalls, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have the trial experience to move forward. The firm does not promise an outcome — each case depends on the facts — but it approaches every contested divorce with the preparation and focus needed to advocate effectively in the Seventeenth Judicial District.

What to Expect in an Arlington County Contested Divorce

Virginia requires that at least one party be a resident and domiciliary of the Commonwealth for six months before filing for divorce. The Complaint for divorce is filed in the Arlington County Circuit Court; if you have minor children, that court also decides custody and visitation as part of the divorce case. Standalone custody or support matters begin in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.

A contested divorce in Arlington County moves through pleadings, discovery (financial disclosures, interrogatories, depositions), temporary relief hearings, mediation, and, if necessary, trial. The court may enter pendente lite orders for spousal support, child support, and exclusive use of the marital home while the case is pending. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle each phase with attention to the deadlines and procedures that Arlington County courts follow.

What Is at Stake in a Contested Divorce

In a contested divorce, the court decides the issues you cannot settle. That means a judge will determine how your property is divided, whether spousal support is awarded, and, if you have children, what custody and visitation arrangement serves their best interests. Virginia is an equitable‑distribution state, so the division of marital property is not automatically 50‑50. The court considers factors including contributions to the marriage, the length of the marriage, and the circumstances that led to the dissolution of the marriage.

Fault grounds — such as adultery, cruelty, or desertion — can affect spousal support and, in some cases, property distribution. Adultery, for example, acts as a bar to spousal support if proven. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help clients evaluate whether asserting a fault ground strengthens their position or adds unnecessary cost and delay.

Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced 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), legislation that revised Virginia’s equitable‑distribution statute.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experience in family law, trial advocacy, and the local practice of the Arlington County courts. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle contested divorce matters across Northern Virginia, including the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a contested divorce in Virginia?

A contested divorce occurs when the spouses cannot agree on one or more issues — such as property division, spousal support, or child custody — and the court must resolve the dispute. In Virginia, a contested divorce may proceed on fault grounds (adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction) or after one year of separation when the parties do not have a signed separation agreement. The case is heard in the Circuit Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce.

How long does a contested divorce take in Arlington County?

The timeline for a contested divorce in Arlington County depends on the issues in dispute, the court’s calendar, and whether interim hearings are needed. A case that settles early can conclude in a matter of months after filing; a case that goes through full discovery and trial typically takes longer. The Arlington County Circuit Court schedules matters as its docket permits.

Do I need a lawyer for a contested divorce in Arlington County?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but a contested divorce involves procedural rules, evidence requirements, and statutory factors that are difficult to navigate without representation. An attorney can help you meet court deadlines, present evidence effectively, and negotiate a settlement that protects your interests. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are available to discuss your case at (888) 437-7747.

How is property divided in a Virginia contested divorce?

Virginia divides marital property under an equitable‑distribution framework, meaning the court splits assets fairly but not necessarily equally. The judge considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20‑107.3, including each spouse’s contributions, the duration of the marriage, and the reasons for the divorce. Separate property — assets owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance — is generally not divided.

Can I get spousal support in a contested divorce?

Spousal support may be awarded if one spouse has a need and the other has an ability to pay. The court weighs factors such as the standard of living during the marriage, each party’s earning capacity, and the length of the marriage. Fault — particularly adultery — can disqualify a spouse from receiving support. Temporary support is available while the divorce is pending.

What happens if my spouse contests the divorce and I want a no‑fault separation?

If your spouse contests the divorce, you cannot proceed on a no‑fault ground unless the statutory separation period has run and the court finds the separation is living separate and apart. If you do not yet meet the one‑year separation requirement (or six‑month requirement with a signed agreement and no minor children), the case may need to proceed on fault grounds or be held until the separation period is complete.

How does the Arlington County Circuit Court handle custody in a contested divorce?

When custody and visitation are disputed in a divorce case, the Arlington County Circuit Court applies the trusted‑interests‑of‑the‑child factors under Va. Code § 20‑124.3. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s interests. Temporary custody orders can be entered while the case proceeds.

What should I bring to a consultation about a contested divorce?

Bring any court papers you have received, recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and a list of assets and debts. If there are children, school and medical records can be helpful. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will use the information to give you a realistic assessment of your case and the issues likely to be contested.

Is mediation required in a contested divorce in Virginia?

Virginia courts may order parties to mediate custody and visitation disputes; mediation is not mandatory in all contested divorce cases but is often encouraged. The Arlington County Circuit Court may refer the parties to mediation for property and support issues as well. Mediation can reduce the cost and time of litigation, but Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare for trial when settlement is not possible.

How do I start a contested divorce in Arlington County?

The divorce begins by filing a Complaint in the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. After filing, the Complaint must be served on your spouse. From there, the case follows the court’s scheduling order, which sets deadlines for discovery, motions, and trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle the filing and service process.

Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in Arlington

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients in contested divorce matters throughout Arlington County and the surrounding Northern Virginia area. The firm’s Arlington Location is at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) · Arlington County Circuit Court · Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

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.