Contested Divorce Lawyer Near Me

When a marriage ends but the spouses cannot agree on one or more of the legal aspects of the divorce—such as property division, alimony, child custody, or child support—the matter becomes contested. If you are searching for a contested divorce lawyer near you, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in contested divorce proceedings across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris, the firm’s Owner and Founder, has practiced since 1997 and leads a team of experienced Of Counsel attorneys who appear in courts throughout these jurisdictions. A contested divorce often involves litigation, motion practice, discovery, and, in many cases, trial. Understanding the procedural landscape of the court where your case will be heard is critical to protecting your rights. To discuss your situation with an attorney, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Contested Divorce Means

A contested divorce is one in which the parties do not agree on every issue that must be resolved to end the marriage. Unlike an uncontested divorce—where both spouses have signed a comprehensive settlement agreement and submit a joint request to the court—a contested divorce requires the court to decide at least some of the disputed matters. The issues most frequently in dispute include the classification and division of marital property, spousal support, and, when children are involved, legal custody, physical custody, and child support.

Each jurisdiction has its own statutory framework governing how these issues are resolved. Virginia and the District of Columbia are equitable distribution jurisdictions; Maryland and New Jersey follow a similar equitable-distribution approach, while New York applies its own statutory factors for marital property division. The procedural rules, the discovery process, and the typical motion practice also vary from one court to another. Having counsel familiar with the specific court’s practices and the applicable state law is essential to presenting your position effectively.

Because a contested divorce can involve multiple hearings, discovery disputes, and potentially a trial, the process tends to take longer than an uncontested matter. The timeline depends on court scheduling, the complexity of the disputed issues, and the degree of cooperation between the parties. In any jurisdiction, a party may also raise fault-based grounds for divorce if applicable, though many couples proceed on a no-fault basis. Understanding how fault allegations may affect property division, support, or custody is an important part of case strategy.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Contested Divorce Cases

At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., contested divorce matters are handled by Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team. The approach begins with a detailed review of the client’s goals, the marital estate, and any existing court orders or agreements. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to identify the core issues in dispute and develop a strategy tailored to the factual and legal landscape of the case. In many situations, the team aims to resolve as many issues as possible through negotiation or mediation before turning to the court for those that remain genuinely contested.

When litigation is necessary, the firm prepares thoroughly—drafting pleadings that comply with the relevant court’s procedural requirements, conducting discovery to gather the financial and other evidence needed, and presenting the client’s position at pendente lite hearings, settlement conferences, and, if required, trial. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, brings courtroom experience to the process, while the Of Counsel attorneys contribute their own extensive backgrounds in family law and civil litigation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

Throughout the case, the team keeps clients informed of developments and available options. The goal is to secure a resolution that protects the client’s legal and financial interests while working to bring the matter to conclusion as efficiently as possible.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris has extensive experience in litigation and family law matters. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background in accounting and information systems provides an additional analytical dimension in cases involving complex financial issues.

Mr. Sris works alongside a team of Of Counsel attorneys who are engaged through Excella and have over a decade of practice experience each. The collective background of the team covers family law, criminal defense, civil litigation, and other practice areas, allowing the firm to address contested divorce cases that involve overlapping legal questions. Every attorney appearing on a matter is licensed in the jurisdiction where the case is pending. The firm maintains locations in Fairfax, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; and other cities in Maryland, New Jersey, and New York to serve clients across its five-jurisdiction footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a contested divorce lawyer near me?

Seek an attorney who practices in the jurisdiction where your divorce will be filed and who has experience handling contested divorce cases in the local courts. Look for a lawyer who is licensed in your state and who concentrates their practice on family law. The attorney should be able to explain the procedural rules of your specific court, the typical timeline for contested matters, and the strategy for your particular circumstances. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

What issues are typically contested in a divorce?

The issues most commonly contested are property division, spousal support, and, when children are involved, custody, visitation, and child support. In an equitable distribution state like Virginia or Maryland, the court must classify property as marital or separate, value it, and then divide it fairly. Disputes often arise over the valuation of business interests, retirement accounts, or real estate, and over whether certain assets are marital at all. Spousal support disputes center on need, ability to pay, and the duration of the marriage. Custody and child support disagreements involve the best interests of the child and each parent’s financial circumstances. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for a contested divorce?

While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, a contested divorce involves complex procedural rules, evidence requirements, and substantive law that can be difficult to navigate without legal counsel. An experienced attorney can identify the issues that are most likely to affect the outcome, marshal the evidence needed to support your position, and advocate on your behalf in negotiations and in court. Because contested matters often involve court appearances, discovery deadlines, and procedural motions, self-representation can expose you to significant risk. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How long does a contested divorce take?

The duration of a contested divorce depends on the complexity of the issues, the court’s calendar, and the extent to which the parties are willing to resolve matters by agreement. Cases involving significant assets, business valuations, or custody evaluations tend to take longer than those with fewer disputed items. Each jurisdiction also has its own procedural timelines, and motions, discovery disputes, and trial scheduling can extend the process. An attorney can provide a realistic assessment once the specific facts of your case are known. To discuss your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What happens if we cannot agree on custody in a contested divorce?

If the parents cannot reach a custody agreement, the court will decide based on the best interests of the child, applying the statutory factors of the relevant state. The court may consider each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, each parent’s ability to provide care, and any history of domestic abuse or other relevant conduct. In many jurisdictions, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem or order a custody evaluation to assist in determining the arrangement that best serves the child. A contested custody matter can be emotionally and legally demanding, and having an experienced family law attorney is essential. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

How is property divided in a contested divorce?

In equitable distribution states like Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey, the court divides marital property in a manner it considers fair, which is not necessarily equal. The court first classifies property as marital (generally acquired during the marriage) or separate (such as gifts or inheritances). Then it values the marital estate and considers a set of statutory factors—including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the economic circumstances of each party—to determine the division. Disputes often arise over the classification and valuation of assets. For guidance on your specific property division issues, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Virginia Family Law Lawyer |
Maryland Family Law Lawyer |
Washington DC Family Law Lawyer |
New Jersey Family Law Lawyer |
New York Family Law Lawyer

Primary sources:
Virginia Code Title 20 – Domestic Relations |
Virginia Judicial System

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.