In Prince William County, Virginia, divorce and family law matters are governed by equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 documented case results in Prince William County. Uncontested divorces can finalize in 2-4 months. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Prince William County
Virginia family law is governed by several key statutes. Divorce grounds are found under Va. Code § 20-91, which allows for no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (if no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists) or a 1-year separation (if minor children are involved). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, while child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For the official text of Virginia’s divorce and family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For court procedures and forms specific to Prince William County, visit the Prince William County General District Court official website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Prince William County Family Law
Prince William County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Prince William County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A property settlement agreement (separation agreement) signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility. Verify you meet Virginia’s residency requirement (at least 6 months in Virginia) and separation period (6 months without minor children, 1 year with minor children).
- Step 2: Draft and Sign a Separation Agreement. Work with your attorney to create a property settlement agreement addressing asset division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related matters.
- Step 3: File the Complaint. File a Complaint for Divorce at the Prince William County Circuit Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. The filing fee is approximately $86.
- Step 4: Serve Your Spouse. Have your spouse served with the complaint via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100). Your spouse has 21 days to respond.
- Step 5: Attend Hearings (if contested). If your case is contested, attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody, followed by discovery, mediation, and potentially a final trial.
- Step 6: Final Hearing. For uncontested cases, attend a brief final hearing with a corroborating witness. The judge will enter the final decree of divorce.
In Prince William County, Virginia, divorce and family law matters involve financial and legal consequences ranging from property division to child support obligations.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost/Fees | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation (no minor children) | 2-4 months | Filing fee: ~$86; service: $12-$100 | Property settlement agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Attorney fees, discovery costs, mediation ($100-$300/hr) | Potential trial, Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting plan, custody evaluation possible |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing | Modification filing fee | Enforcement through wage garnishment, contempt |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Varies | Attorney fees for negotiation | Modification possible upon change in circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Prince William County Family Law Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every family law case. Our firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results across all practice areas with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is a rare and powerful credential that demonstrates deep knowledge of Virginia family law at the legislative level. Our firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Additionally, Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has decades of experience handling complex family law cases across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Prince William County Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 total documented case results across all practice areas in Prince William County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters such as divorce, custody, and support cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Prince William County Family Law Lawyer Near You
Our Fairfax location is approximately 15 miles from the Prince William County Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We serve clients throughout Prince William County, including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
Looking for a Permanent Alimony Lawyer Prince William County? Our attorneys handle long-term spousal maintenance cases with a focus on protecting your financial future. We also serve as an indefinite spousal support lawyer Prince William County and a long-term spousal maintenance lawyer Prince William County for clients seeking ongoing support arrangements.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Prince William County
How long does a divorce take in Prince William County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Prince William County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include attorney fees, which vary by 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 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Prince William County, Virginia?
Custody in Prince William County is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Prince William County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Prince William County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Prince William County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
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.