Service Member Divorce Lawyer Prince George County, VA

You are a service member stationed at Fort Gregg‑Adams, or your spouse serves there, and you are facing the end of your marriage. Military life adds layers of complexity that civilian divorces do not confront: deployment cycles that disrupt court schedules, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act that can pause proceedings, and a federal pension system whose division is governed by a separate federal statute. A divorce that touches Prince George County residents with ties to the installation must be prepared with an understanding of both Virginia family law and the unique protections and obligations that military service imposes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on helping clients work through these overlapping legal frameworks. To discuss your situation, reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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Strategy Options for Service Member Divorce Cases

Every military divorce begins with the same question a civilian case does: where will the complaint be filed? For service members and their spouses in Prince George County, the answer is usually the Prince George County Circuit Court, which has exclusive original jurisdiction over divorce under Virginia law. Before filing, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate whether the requirements of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) must be invoked to protect a deployed servicemember’s right to participate, or whether the opposing spouse is entitled to a stay. Strategy also turns on how the couple’s marital property — especially the military pension — will be divided under the federal Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA). Because Virginia is an equitable distribution state, the court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20‑107.3 to decide what is fair, not necessarily equal. A service member’s frequent moves and the location of the children can also shape custody and visitation negotiations. Our firm works to develop a plan that addresses these issues before they become disputes.

For uncontested cases, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help prepare a property settlement agreement that resolves all terms, which can shorten the timeline once Virginia’s separation requirement is met. When disputes exist, the approach shifts to protecting the client’s financial and parental rights through motion practice and, if necessary, trial. Throughout, we coordinate with military legal assistance when appropriate, while ensuring that the client’s interests remain independently represented.

What to Expect at Prince George County Courts

Divorce cases in Prince George County are heard in two different courthouses at 6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, Virginia. The Prince George County Circuit Court handles the divorce itself, property distribution, and spousal support. Separate matters involving child custody, visitation, and child support—if not resolved within the divorce—may proceed in the Prince George County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear in both venues and can guide clients through the procedural steps, from filing the complaint through any pendente lite hearing for temporary relief. While each case moves at its own pace based on the court’s calendar, parties should expect to attend an ore tenus hearing where a corroborating witness may be required even in an uncontested matter. Mediation is available, and the court often encourages it, particularly for custody disputes.

Consequences and Key Considerations for Service Member Divorce

Division of a military pension is often the most significant financial consequence. Under the USFSPA, a Virginia court may treat a servicemember’s disposable retired pay as marital property subject to equitable distribution, provided the marriage lasted at least ten years overlapping with the member’s service. Even without the ten‑year overlap, the court can still divide the pension or order a monetary award based on its value. Health care eligibility, Survivor Benefit Plan coverage, and the former spouse’s right to continue living in base housing are all affected by the divorce decree and must be addressed explicitly. Beyond finances, a service member’s deployment schedule can influence custody arrangements; Virginia courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20‑124.3, and a parent’s military duties are one factor the court considers. The SCRA also allows a service member to request a stay of proceedings to avoid a default judgment while deployed, a protection Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help invoke when appropriate.

Attorney Credentials – Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he founded the firm in 1997 and has been handling family law matters for over two decades. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), testimony that addressed the equitable distribution statute that governs how military pensions and other marital assets are divided in Virginia. His Of Counsel team brings over 120 years of combined legal experience, and together they have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas. Results may vary. Our firm’s multi‑state reach and deep familiarity with the courts of Prince George County allow us to represent service members whose legal circumstances span several jurisdictions.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar · Maryland Judiciary · DC Bar · NJ Courts · NY OCA

Last reviewed: June 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a service member get divorced in Virginia while deployed?

Yes, a service member can get divorced while deployed, but the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) may allow a stay of proceedings to prevent a default judgment. Virginia courts respect SCRA protections, and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can file the necessary documentation to safeguard the service member’s rights. If the deployed party wishes to move forward, arrangements can be made for remote participation when the court permits it. The key is early planning so that deployment does not result in an unfair outcome.

How is military retirement divided in a Virginia divorce?

Military retirement is treated as marital property under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) and can be divided by a Virginia court as part of equitable distribution. The court considers the length of the marriage overlapping with the service, the couple’s financial circumstances, and the 11 factors in Va. Code § 20‑107.3. Even if the marriage did not meet the ten‑year overlap requirement for direct payment from DFAS, the court can award a share of the pension’s value through other means. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order or other court order is typically necessary to effectuate the division.

What happens to child custody if a service member is deployed?

Virginia law allows a parent to delegate temporary custody rights through a power of attorney or a custody order that accounts for deployment. Under Va. Code § 20‑124.5, the court may create a plan that accommodates the service member’s absence while preserving the parent‑child relationship. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with families to negotiate temporary arrangements that protect the service member’s parental rights and the child’s stability.

Do I need a lawyer who understands military divorce?

While no law requires a lawyer who practices in military divorce, an attorney familiar with the SCRA, the USFSPA, and the practical realities of military life can help you avoid costly procedural mistakes. A divorce involving a service member often intersects with federal statutes, military regulations, and state law in ways that a general practitioner may not anticipate. Our firm has extensive experience handling cases for service members and their spouses, and we routinely coordinate with military legal assistance offices.

Where is a service member divorce filed in Prince George County?

The divorce complaint is filed in the Prince George County Circuit Court at 6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875. The Circuit Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over divorce in Virginia. If the case also involves standalone custody or support issues, those may be addressed in the Prince George County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear in both courts and can direct your case to the proper venue.

Does the SCRA apply to divorce proceedings?

Yes, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act can apply to divorce proceedings if a service member’s military duties materially affect their ability to participate. The SCRA provides for a stay of proceedings for at least 90 days, which can be extended. This protects a deployed service member from having a judgment entered against them without their knowledge. Our firm assists both active‑duty members seeking a stay and civilian spouses who want to move forward despite a deployment.

How long does a military divorce take in Virginia?

The time a military divorce takes in Virginia varies depending on whether the matter is contested or uncontested, whether the service member is deployed, and the court’s docket. If both parties agree and the mandatory separation period has been met, the process can move efficiently once the complaint is filed. Deployment or disputes over military pension division and custody can lengthen the timeline. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia when one spouse is a service member?

Virginia’s grounds for divorce are the same regardless of military status: no‑fault based on separation, or fault grounds such as adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction. A service member’s deployment does not create a separate ground, but a prolonged separation caused by military orders can satisfy the separation requirement for a no‑fault divorce. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate the specific facts of each case to determine the most appropriate ground for filing.

Can my spouse get my military benefits after divorce?

The right to a former spouse’s military benefits after divorce depends on the length of the marriage, the overlap with military service, and the terms of the divorce decree. The USFSPA allows state courts to divide disposable retired pay, but other benefits such as commissary, exchange, and Tricare medical coverage require a 20‑20‑20 or 20‑20‑15 marriage. Our firm can explain which benefits may be affected and ensure that the final decree contains the necessary language to preserve or divide them correctly.

Is a legal separation required before divorce in Virginia?

Virginia does not recognize legal separation as a formal status, but living separate and apart for a statutory period is required for a no‑fault divorce. For couples without minor children and with a signed separation agreement, the period is six months; otherwise, it is one year. During the separation, the couple must physically live apart, and the intent to end the marriage must be mutual or communicated. A separation agreement can resolve all outstanding issues while the parties wait to file.

Additional Resources:
Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) ·
Prince George County Combined Courts ·
For a full statutory breakdown of Virginia divorce law, visit our firm’s main site:
srislawyer.com/divorce‑lawyer

Request a Consultation

To speak with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel about a service member divorce in Prince George County, call (888) 437‑7747. Our Richmond location, at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225, is available for consultations by appointment. We can also arrange a phone consultation if you are stationed away from Virginia.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395
Richmond, VA 23225
(888) 437‑7747
By appointment. Call to schedule.

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