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), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). 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 sources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Virginia divorce grounds statute
- 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, 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 proper fees.
- Exchange financial disclosures, conduct depositions if needed, and gather evidence related to assets, income, and parenting arrangements.
- Participate in settlement conferences or mediation to attempt resolution of property division, support, and custody issues.
- Prepare for trial, including witness preparation and exhibit organization, then present your case before the judge at the Manassas court.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In Manassas, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than penalties: 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, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault | Manassas Circuit Court | 2-24 months | $86 filing fee + service costs |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Manassas Circuit Court | 9-24 months | Valuation experts: $2,500-$10,000+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Manassas J&DR Court | 3-12 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Manassas J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Minimal court costs |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Manassas Circuit Court | 3-12 months | Varies by complexity |
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 combines over 120 years of legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes 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 insight into complex property division cases.
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. Our experience includes complex equitable distribution cases involving business valuation, retirement assets, and international property.
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.
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.
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.
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 Services
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page for family law information.
Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer – 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 updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.