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 with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, providing unique insight into property division cases in Manassas Circuit Court.
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). Virginia requires either a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault divorce.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For authoritative information on Virginia family law, consult these government sources:
- Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) – Official Virginia General Assembly website
- Manassas General District Court website – Court procedures and contact information
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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Determine whether your case belongs in Manassas Circuit Court (divorce, equitable distribution, spousal support) or Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court (standalone custody, child support, protective orders).
- File the appropriate complaint or petition at the correct court. Pay the Circuit Court filing fee of approximately $86 for divorce complaints, plus service of process costs.
- Participate in pendente lite hearings for temporary matters within 21-60 days of filing. Consider mediation for contested issues, though it’s not mandatory in Virginia.
- Either reach a settlement agreement resolving all issues or prepare for trial. For uncontested divorces, provide at least one corroborating witness at the final hearing.
Family Law Penalties and Timeframes
In Manassas, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + litigation costs | Adultery, cruelty, desertion grounds available |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | Forensic accounting $2,500+ | Business valuation often required |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | 3-9 months | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | 10 statutory factors considered |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, providing unique insight into Virginia family law.
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
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. The firm actively practices in Manassas family law matters.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
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
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. Manassas Circuit Court handles all divorces.
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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Manassas General District Court.
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 (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) 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.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide family law information
Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer – Neighboring jurisdiction attorney
Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in same locality
Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile – Of Counsel attorney information
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.