Contested Divorce Lawyer Chesapeake, VA
You and your spouse cannot agree on how to divide your marital assets or who will have primary custody of your children. Your divorce has become contested, and you need a lawyer who can fight for your position in the Chesapeake Circuit Court. For over 25 years, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has represented clients in contested divorce proceedings throughout Chesapeake, Virginia. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, the firm focuses on protecting your interests in high-conflict family law matters. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Strategic Options in a Chesapeake Contested Divorce
When a divorce cannot be resolved by agreement, you face a contested case. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel explore every opportunity to settle the dispute before trial while preparing thoroughly for litigation. Early negotiation and exchange of information can narrow the issues. In Chesapeake, mediation is available but not mandatory; the court encourages parties to resolve disputes where possible. If a trial becomes necessary, the team’s experience in the Chesapeake Circuit Court ensures you are ready to present your case effectively. The approach adapts as the case evolves—always focused on achieving a fair division of property, a workable custody arrangement, and appropriate support.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. They understand the procedural demands of the Chesapeake Circuit Court and the Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, which handles custody and support matters when filed separately. From filing the complaint to final decree, they guide you through each step, helping you make informed decisions about whether to negotiate, mediate, or proceed to trial.
What to Expect During a Contested Divorce in Chesapeake
A contested divorce in Chesapeake follows a structured path. It begins with filing a complaint in the Chesapeake Circuit Court, located at 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322. The court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and equitable distribution. If custody or support is unresolved, related matters may also be addressed in the Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. After filing, the court may enter pendente lite orders to establish temporary custody, support, and use of the family residence while the case is pending.
Discovery follows: each side exchanges financial records, appraisals, and other evidence. Depositions may be taken. The timeline varies by case complexity and court scheduling. Many contested divorces reach a settlement after discovery when both sides have a clear picture of the assets and parenting dynamics. If the case proceeds to trial, the judge hears testimony and applies Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20‑107.3), custody best‑interest factors (§ 20‑124.3), and spousal‑support considerations (§ 20‑107.1). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. prepares your case for trial from day one, while remaining open to a negotiated resolution that protects your interests.
Potential Outcomes in a Contested Divorce
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The Chesapeake Circuit Court considers the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the circumstances surrounding the dissolution. Separate property—assets owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance—is generally excluded. A contested divorce can also result in a spousal support award if one spouse demonstrates financial need and the other has the ability to pay. Child custody and support decisions are guided by the best interests of the child, with the court considering the child’s relationship with each parent and any history of abuse or neglect. Because every contested divorce is unique, the outcome depends heavily on the specific facts and the quality of the representation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to achieve favorable outcomes; Results may vary.
For a complete statutory overview of Virginia family law, see our comprehensive analysis on srislawyer.com.
About Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced law since 1997. He 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 team includes attorneys with deep litigation backgrounds, collectively providing extensive combined legal experience. All non‑Sris attorneys serve as Of Counsel; the firm has no associates or partners. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients in Chesapeake family law matters from the firm’s Richmond location. They appear regularly in the Chesapeake Circuit Court and the Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
When you call (888) 437-7747, you can speak with a professional who understands the local court system, the judges’ expectations, and the strategies that work in contested divorces. The team is available to schedule a consultation at a time that fits your needs.
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, child custody, support, or grounds for divorce. One spouse files a complaint and the court resolves the disputed issues after discovery, motion practice, and possibly trial. In Chesapeake, the Circuit Court handles the divorce itself, while custody and support matters may be heard separately in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
How long does a contested divorce take in Chesapeake?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the issues, the court’s calendar, and how long discovery and motion practice take. Uncontested divorces may resolve in a few months; contested cases often take significantly longer. Your attorney can provide a clearer estimate after evaluating your specific situation. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss the timeline for your case.
Can I still settle my case after filing a contested divorce?
Yes. Many contested divorces settle before trial once both sides have exchanged financial information and assessed the strengths and weaknesses of their positions. Mediation is an option in Chesapeake, and the court often encourages settlement discussions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will negotiate on your behalf while keeping your case trial‑ready.
Do I need a lawyer for a contested divorce in Chesapeake?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but the stakes in a contested divorce are high. Property division, custody, and support orders can affect you for years. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, navigate procedural rules, and present evidence effectively. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What are the grounds for a contested divorce in Virginia?
Virginia law recognizes both fault‑based and no‑fault grounds. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. No‑fault divorce is available after a six‑month separation if there are no minor children and the parties have a signed separation agreement, or after a one‑year separation otherwise. The chosen ground affects property division and potentially spousal support.
How is property divided in a contested divorce in Virginia?
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20‑107.3. The court first classifies property as marital, separate, or hybrid, then divides the marital share equitably after considering 11 statutory factors. Equitable does not mean equal; the judge has broad discretion. High‑asset cases often involve forensic accountants and business valuators. For a consultation about your property division concerns, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What about child custody in a contested divorce?
Custody is determined by the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20‑124.3. The judge considers factors such as the child’s age and needs, the parent‑child relationship, each parent’s ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, and any history of abuse. The Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court may handle custody if the matter is filed separately, but custody is often decided within the divorce case in Circuit Court.
Contact Our Chesapeake Contested Divorce Team
If you are facing a contested divorce in Chesapeake, the right legal guidance can make a meaningful difference. Call (888) 437-7747 today to request a consultation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are ready to help you understand your options and take the next step.
Related practice areas in Chesapeake:
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.