A contested divorce in King George County under Va. Code § 20-91 requires proving fault or meeting separation requirements. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in King George County. A Contested Divorce Lawyer King George County from our firm can protect your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | King George County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines a contested divorce as any divorce where the parties cannot agree on all terms. Under Va. Code § 20-91, you may file for divorce on no-fault grounds after a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or a felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. King George County Circuit Court handles all contested divorce filings. The court applies equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. This statute requires the court to divide marital property fairly — not necessarily 50/50 — based on 11 statutory factors. Your Contested Divorce Lawyer King George County must understand these statutes to build your case.
For the official statute governing divorce grounds, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For equitable distribution rules, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For King George County Circuit Court procedures, visit the King George County General District Court website.
King George County Circuit Court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested hearings. For contested cases, the court sets a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days of your motion. This hearing addresses temporary support, custody, and use of the marital home. The court at 10446 Government Center Blvd, Ste 105, King George, VA 22485 handles all family law matters. Mediation is available but not mandatory. Forensic accountants are used for complex marital estates involving business valuation or retirement assets.
- File a complaint for divorce at King George County Circuit Court with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary orders on support and custody.
- Complete discovery, including financial affidavits and asset documentation.
- Participate in mediation to attempt settlement before trial.
- Proceed to trial if no agreement is reached; the court issues a final decree.
In King George County, a contested divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves significant financial and custody consequences.
| Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equitable Distribution | Civil | 50/50 split not guaranteed; court considers 11 factors | 9-18 months | Business valuation, retirement account division |
| Child Custody | Civil | Child support per VA guidelines | 9-18 months | Parenting time, decision-making authority |
| Spousal Support | Civil | Based on 13 statutory factors | 9-18 months | Modifiable upon change of circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in every Virginia divorce. This achievement is unique among Virginia family law attorneys. Our Contested Divorce Lawyer King George County team includes Samantha Rae Powers, who brings 18+ years of family law experience. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results in King George County across all practice areas, with an 88% favorable outcome rate. These results include multiple assault and battery charges dismissed or resulting in not guilty verdicts at King George General District Court. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax Location serves clients at King George County courts (10446 Government Center Blvd). The location is accessible via Route 3, Route 301, and Route 206. We serve the communities of King George and Dahlgren.
Looking for a Contested Divorce Lawyer King George County near you? Our firm represents clients throughout King George County.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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How long does a contested divorce take in King George County, Virginia?
It depends. A contested divorce takes 9-18 months from filing to final decree. Complex cases involving business valuation or retirement assets can take 12-24 months. The pendente lite hearing for temporary orders is typically set within 21-60 days of your motion.
How much does a contested divorce cost in King George County, Virginia?
It depends. The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs about $12. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in a contested divorce in King George County?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. King George County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for a contested divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), and felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment).
For more information, visit our Virginia Divorce & Family Law hub page. See how we handle cases in nearby Fairfax County and Prince William County. For other legal needs in King George County, see our criminal defense and DUI/DWI pages. Learn more about our team on our attorney profile page. Visit our Fairfax office location page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.