Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Manassas, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support. The 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 Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For accurate legal information, consult these official government resources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Virginia divorce statutes
- Manassas General District Court website – Court information and procedures
Manassas Family Court Procedures
Family law matters in Manassas are handled by two different courts depending on the issue. Manassas Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230) handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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
- Collect financial documents, marriage certificate, child information, and any existing agreements
- File your petition at Manassas Circuit Court for divorce or Manassas J&DR Court for standalone custody
- Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and any settlement conferences
- Reach settlement through agreement or proceed to trial for final judgment
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Manassas, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties, with Virginia requiring a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault divorce.
| Issue | Court | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Manassas Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Manassas Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees |
| Child Custody | Manassas J&DR Court | Varies by complexity | Possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Equitable Distribution | Manassas Circuit Court | 12-24 months complex | Business valuation + forensic accounting |
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. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, the firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique experience in complex property division cases. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. While we maintain active practice in Manassas courts, these results represent our firm’s full experience across multiple jurisdictions.
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, and Route 234. As a family law lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown Manassas, we represent clients throughout 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 filing fees starting at approximately $86.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page for family law information
Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer – Representation in neighboring jurisdiction
Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area in same locality
Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile – Learn about our of counsel attorney
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.