Contested Divorce Lawyer Colonial Heights, VA
You and your spouse no longer see eye to eye on the terms of your separation. Maybe you disagree about how to divide the home, the retirement accounts, or the business you built together. Perhaps custody of your children is at the center of a heated dispute. When you cannot agree on property distribution, spousal support, or parenting time, you have a contested divorce. In Colonial Heights, Virginia, those disagreements are resolved in the Colonial Heights Circuit Court—and the process can feel overwhelming when you are trying to protect what matters most. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team guide clients through the contested divorce process, advocating for equitable outcomes under Virginia law. To schedule a consultation about your situation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What to Expect in a Contested Divorce in Colonial Heights
Colonial Heights sits just south of Richmond and is part of the Twelfth Judicial District. The Colonial Heights Circuit Court, located at 550 Boulevard, handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. When a case is contested, each side is required to present evidence on the issues in dispute—whether that involves the value of marital property, a spouse’s income for support purposes, or what custody arrangement serves the child’s best interests.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state. That means the court divides marital property fairly but not necessarily equally, weighing factors such as each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, the length of the marriage, and the circumstances that led to the breakup. The court may also award spousal support based on a list of statutory factors. Because contested divorces involve active litigation, the process unfolds over a period shaped by the complexity of the issues and the court’s calendar. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to move the matter forward efficiently while protecting your rights at each stage.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Contested Divorce Cases
Every contested divorce begins with a careful assessment of what is at stake. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team meet with you to understand your goals, gather financial and parenting information, and identify where the real disputes lie. They then develop a strategy tailored to your circumstances—whether that involves negotiating a partial settlement on the points you can agree on while preparing to litigate the rest, or building a complete case for trial.
Throughout the litigation, they handle discovery, motion practice, and evidence presentation. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness in an uncontested divorce, but in contested cases, witness testimony and documentary evidence become even more important. The team works to present your side clearly and persuasively. Where resolution is possible through negotiation or mediation, they pursue it. When trial is unavoidable, they are prepared to advocate in the Colonial Heights Circuit Court.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, he has concentrated his career on representing individuals and families in complex legal matters. His background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how evidence and testimony are challenged in court—an advantage in contested family law disputes.
Mr. Sris is joined by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who are engaged through Excella. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The team serves clients from the firm’s Richmond location, including representation in Colonial Heights courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a contested divorce in Colonial Heights?
You are not legally required to have an attorney, but a contested divorce involves court procedures and evidence rules that are challenging to manage alone. A contested case means the other side has an attorney or is prepared to fight. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can protect your interests by handling pleadings, discovery, and courtroom advocacy. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747.
How does the court decide property division in Colonial Heights?
The court determines what is marital property and divides it equitably, considering Virginia’s statutory factors. Separate property—such as assets owned before marriage or received as a gift—is generally not divided. The process often involves valuations, financial disclosures, and argument over each spouse’s contributions. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), which revised the equitable distribution code.
What if my spouse and I agree on some issues but not others?
Partial agreements can narrow the scope of trial and reduce litigation costs. If you agree on custody but not on the house, the court may resolve only the disputed asset. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to finalize as many points as possible through negotiation, while preparing the remaining disputes for a judge’s decision.
Does a contested divorce always go to trial in Colonial Heights?
No, many contested cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation. Even when emotions run high, reaching an agreement is often possible once both sides understand the likely outcome at trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel strive to find settlement opportunities at every stage of the litigation.
How do I start the contested divorce process?
A contested divorce begins by filing a Complaint for divorce in the Colonial Heights Circuit Court. The filing spouse must have been a resident of Virginia for at least six months. After filing and service of process, the case proceeds through the discovery and motion phases. For guidance on the next steps, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Speak with a Contested Divorce Lawyer
Call (888) 437-7747 or visit our Richmond location by appointment:
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Contact us at (804) 201-9009 for the Richmond location. Free parking available.
Additional Resources
- For a full statutory analysis, visit our comprehensive guide on srislawyer.com
- Virginia Code Title 20: Divorce and domestic relations statutes
- Colonial Heights Circuit Court: Jurisdiction and contact information
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. Mr. Sris is the attorney responsible for this advertising.