Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Manassas, Virginia
In Manassas, Virginia, divorce and family law matters are governed by statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for these cases. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with children. Our firm has extensive experience with the Manassas Circuit Court and J&DR Court procedures.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on multiple factors under the law.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Manassas
Family law in Manassas operates under the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, bringing direct legislative experience to your case.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). For court-specific forms and procedures in Manassas, refer to the Manassas General District Court official website.
Manassas Family Law Court Process
Manassas Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your case details and goals.
- Document Gathering: Collect financial records, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements or court orders.
- Filing with the Court: File the appropriate complaint or petition with the Manassas Circuit Court or J&DR Court, paying the required filing fees.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Exchange information with the other party and attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation.
- Court Proceedings: Attend scheduled hearings for temporary orders, and if necessary, proceed to trial for final resolution.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Manassas
In Manassas, family law matters involve specific legal standards: no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction.
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | Manassas Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | Manassas Circuit Court | 9-18 months | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Manassas J&DR Court | Varies | 10 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | Manassas Circuit Court | 12-24 months (complex) | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
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. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases in Manassas. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) demonstrates a deep, practical understanding of Virginia family law that benefits our clients.
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 Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our practice areas in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. We actively represent clients in Manassas family law courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation in Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. As a family law lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown, we serve the Manassas area and surrounding communities.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Manassas, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing. Contested divorces typically take 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Manassas, Virginia?
The Manassas Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property acquired before marriage or via gift/inheritance is typically excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Manassas, Virginia?
Custody is determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court evaluates 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and the child’s needs. Standalone custody cases are filed in Manassas J&DR Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction resulting in imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub
Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer
Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer
Learn more about our attorneys
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.