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. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division in Manassas Circuit Court and Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children before filing.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Manassas
Family law in Manassas operates under Virginia’s statutory framework. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors rather than a strict 50/50 split.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For accurate legal information, consult these official government sources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) — Virginia divorce statutes
- Manassas General District Court website — Court information and procedures
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 a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter, review documents, and develop a strategy.
- File the necessary petition (divorce, custody, support) at Manassas Circuit Court or Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court with required fees.
- Gather financial documents, asset information, and evidence relevant to your case through formal discovery procedures.
- Engage in settlement negotiations or mediation to attempt resolution of property division, support, and custody issues.
- Prepare for and attend court hearings, including pendente lite motions for temporary orders and final trial if settlement is not reached.
- Obtain the final decree and address any post-judgment matters such as enforcement or modification of court orders.
Family Law Penalties and Requirements
In Manassas, family law matters involve specific requirements: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | Circuit Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | 6-month or 1-year separation required for no-fault |
| Child Support | Court Order | Based on Virginia guidelines and combined income | Enforcement through income withholding, license suspension |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Division based on 11 statutory factors | Separate property excluded; marital property divided fairly |
| Custody Violation | Contempt of Court | Fines, attorney fees, possible jail time | Modification of custody arrangement |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law development. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision” reflects our approach to family law representation in Manassas.
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
Case Results in Manassas
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. Our firm actively practices in Manassas courts, handling divorce, child custody, support, and equitable distribution matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66, Route 28, Route 234 (Sudley Road/Prince William Pkwy), and Route 29. We are a family law lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown Manassas.
We serve the Manassas area and surrounding communities. 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.
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 service costs.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Our state hub page for family law information.
Fairfax County Divorce Lawyer — Family law representation in neighboring Fairfax County.
Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer — Criminal defense representation in Manassas.
Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile — Learn more about our of counsel attorney.
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.