In Manassas, Virginia, divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide documented case results. A Divorce Lawyer Manassas can guide you through equitable distribution, custody, and support matters at the Manassas Circuit Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court applies 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 — a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris — to determine division of assets, debts, and retirement accounts. For divorce grounds, Va. Code § 20-91 allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault-based grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. A Divorce Lawyer Manassas can explain which grounds apply to your situation and how the court will classify your property.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce and equitable distribution statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). Court procedures and local rules for Manassas are available through the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File a complaint for divorce at the Manassas Circuit Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110.
- Serve the divorce papers on your spouse through the sheriff’s office or a private process server.
- Exchange financial disclosures, including income, assets, debts, and retirement accounts, within 21 days of service.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody is needed — typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
- Participate in mediation to resolve property division, custody, and support issues before trial.
- Attend the final hearing with your corroborating witness to obtain the final divorce decree.
In Manassas, Virginia, divorce outcomes depend on the specific grounds and the complexity of your marital estate.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce (No Minor Children) | No-fault, 6-month separation with signed agreement | 2-4 months from filing | $86 filing fee + $12 sheriff service | Corroborating witness required |
| Uncontested Divorce (With Minor Children) | No-fault, 1-year separation | 3-6 months from filing | $86 filing fee + $12 sheriff service | Parenting plan required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + discovery costs | Mediation may be ordered |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months | $86 filing fee + experienced fees | Business valuation or forensic accounting |
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 has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a unique credential that directly benefits clients in Manassas divorce cases. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
SRIS actively practices in Manassas. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span 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 the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue). The Fairfax office is approximately 15 miles from the Manassas Circuit Court, accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234 (Sudley Road/Prince William Pkwy).
If you are searching for a Divorce Lawyer Manassas near you, our team represents clients throughout Manassas, including Historic Downtown Manassas and the Manassas National Battlefield Park area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Manassas, 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 Manassas, Virginia?
It depends. 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.
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). Manassas Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
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. 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.
For more information about divorce and family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
If you are in a nearby locality, see our pages for Fairfax County Divorce Lawyer or Prince William County Divorce Lawyer.
We also handle other legal matters in Manassas, including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense.
Learn more about our team: Kristen Fisher, Former Prosecutor.
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.