Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Manassas, Virginia
Manassas family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation with firm-wide experience across 4,739+ documented case results. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or 1-year separation with children, with fault grounds including adultery and cruelty available immediately.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. direct involvement in shaping the law that governs property division in divorce cases statewide.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For court-specific procedures and forms, refer to the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Family Court Procedures
Manassas Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230. Manassas 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.
- Schedule consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to assess your family law matter.
- File appropriate petition at Manassas Circuit Court (divorce) or J&DR Court (custody).
- Serve the other party through sheriff service or private process server.
- Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary support or custody within 21-60 days.
- Participate in discovery, financial disclosure, and mediation if ordered.
- Proceed to final hearing or trial if no settlement is reached.
Family Law Outcomes and Standards
In Manassas, family law matters follow equitable distribution principles with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies by complexity | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Establishment: 1-3 months | Filing fees + possible income withholding |
| Complex Property Division | 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months | Business valuation: $2,500-$10,000+ |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances, court jurisdiction, and specific facts.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating direct involvement in shaping the law that governs property division in Virginia divorces.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Manassas, Virginia?
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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Manassas, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation services.
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 Manassas, Virginia?
Custody in Manassas 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. Manassas J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases, while Manassas 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 Manassas Circuit Court with applicable filing fees and court costs.
Case Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes in family law and other practice areas.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances, court jurisdiction, and specific facts.
Local Representation in Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. We represent clients throughout the Manassas area and surrounding communities.
Family law lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown Manassas.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only
Related Legal Resources
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
If you need representation in nearby localities, consider our Fairfax County family law lawyer or Prince William County family law lawyer.
For other legal needs in Manassas, see our Manassas criminal defense lawyer or Manassas DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about our attorneys’ experience and credentials.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.