Contested Divorce Lawyer Goochland County, VA
You and your spouse have decided to end your marriage, but you cannot agree on how to divide your property, share parenting time, or handle support. In Goochland County, Virginia, a contested divorce means the Goochland County Circuit Court will resolve these issues after hearing evidence from both sides. The process can be stressful and drawn out. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring decades of experience to help you work toward a fair resolution. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy Options
When a divorce is contested, strategic preparation is essential. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by understanding your goals—whether you seek a larger share of marital assets, primary custody, or spousal support. They gather financial records, evaluate property classification under Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20‑107.3), and identify strengths and weaknesses in your case. If your spouse is unwilling to negotiate, the team prepares for trial, drawing on Mr. Sris’s experience as a former prosecutor to present a persuasive case. Throughout the process, the focus remains on achieving a result that protects your interests and minimizes unnecessary conflict.
What To Expect
In Goochland County, contested divorce cases are heard by the Goochland County Circuit Court. The process typically begins with filing a Complaint, followed by discovery, motions for temporary relief (such as pendente lite support or custody), and eventually trial. The court schedules hearings based on its docket, and the timeline varies with the complexity of the issues. Equitable distribution cases involving business valuations or retirement accounts may take longer. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel manage each stage and advise you on what to expect, helping you stay informed and prepared.
The court also requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing, but in contested matters both sides present their own evidence. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia; if settlement is possible, the firm can negotiate on your behalf without waiting for a trial.
What Is at Stake
In a contested divorce, the court must decide how marital property will be divided, whether one spouse must pay alimony, and how child custody and support will be arranged. Virginia law does not impose “penalties” in the criminal sense, but the financial and personal consequences can be significant. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20‑107.3 for property division, including the length of the marriage and each spouse’s contributions. Spousal support is determined using 13 factors under § 20‑107.1. A contested case can also be expensive and emotionally draining. Having experienced counsel helps you present a strong case and strive for a result that safeguards your future.
Attorney Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has served clients since 1997. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, is a former prosecutor who practices in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a bill that revised Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. His Of Counsel team—attorneys with backgrounds in prosecution, law enforcement, and child welfare—bring additional depth. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have documented over 4,739 case results since 1997. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is property divided in a contested divorce in Virginia?
Virginia divides marital property equitably, not necessarily equally, based on factors in Va. Code § 20‑107.3. The court examines the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and other circumstances to reach a fair division. Marital property includes assets acquired during the marriage, except gifts or inheritances. In a contested divorce, each side presents financial evidence and may call valuation attorneys. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle discovery and advocate for a distribution that protects your interests.
Can I get alimony (spousal support) in Goochland County?
Alimony may be awarded if one spouse has a financial need and the other has the ability to pay. Virginia courts consider 13 factors under Va. Code § 20‑107.1, including the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, and each spouse’s financial resources. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can evaluate your eligibility and advocate for a support order that meets your needs.
What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce in Virginia?
An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on all issues; a contested divorce means the court will decide after trial. Uncontested cases rely on no-fault grounds after a separation period, while contested cases may involve fault grounds such as adultery or cruelty. Contested cases are more complex, take longer, and typically cost more.
Do I have to go to court for a contested divorce in Goochland County?
Most contested divorces settle before trial, but you may need to appear in Goochland County Circuit Court for hearings. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent you at all proceedings and work to resolve disputes through negotiation when possible to minimize court appearances. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial where the judge will make final decisions.
How long does a contested divorce take in Goochland County?
The timeline varies widely depending on complexity and court scheduling, but contested divorces often take several months to over a year. Cases involving high assets, business valuations, or custody disputes tend to take longer. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle all procedural deadlines and keep you informed throughout the process.
Why should I hire an experienced divorce attorney for a contested case?
Contested divorce involves intricate legal and financial issues that can affect your future; an experienced attorney helps you navigate the process and present a strong case. Mr. Sris’s background as a former prosecutor and his team’s collective experience give you a decisive advantage in gathering evidence, negotiating with the other side, and protecting your interests at trial. A qualified attorney can also help you understand the likely range of outcomes and make informed decisions.
Our family law attorneys also serve clients in Fairfax County, Prince William County, Manassas, Fairfax City, and Falls Church.
For more on Virginia divorce laws, see the Virginia Code Title 20 and the Goochland County Circuit Court.
Schedule a Consultation
To discuss your contested divorce case in Goochland County, call (888) 437-7747 or contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to schedule a consultation. Our Richmond location is by appointment at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225.
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.