Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Manassas, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Manassas, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters at the Manassas Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods of 6 months (no minor children with a signed agreement) or 1 year (with minor children). Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50. Child custody is determined based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
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 Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Family Court Process
Manassas Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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.
- Consult with an attorney to evaluate your case and choose the appropriate grounds for divorce.
- File the divorce complaint with the Manassas Circuit Court clerk and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the complaint and summons on your spouse through a sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- If contested, engage in discovery, which may include financial disclosures, depositions, and subpoenas.
- Attend mediation or settlement conferences as ordered by the court to attempt resolution.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial before a judge if settlement is not reached.
Divorce Costs and Timelines in Manassas
In Manassas, divorce carries court filing fees starting at approximately $86, with total costs varying based on case complexity; an uncontested divorce typically takes 2-4 months, while contested cases can take 9-18 months or longer.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Estimated Court Costs | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Manassas Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 filing + $12 service | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Manassas Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Manassas J&DR Court | 3-9 months | Varies | Best interests of child standard applies |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Manassas Circuit Court | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | May require business valuators, forensic accountants |
Results may vary. The timelines and costs above are estimates based on typical cases in Manassas. Each case is unique.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of Virginia family law to advocate for our clients in Manassas courts.
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 Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a favorable outcome rate of over 93%. We actively represent clients in Manassas family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. We serve the Manassas area and surrounding communities. Consultations are available by phone 24/7 at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Manassas, Virginia?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases involving business valuation or retirement assets can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support 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 for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs about $12; a private process server costs $50-$100. Additional costs may include Guardian ad Litem fees for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property (owned before marriage, inheritance, gifts) is typically excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Manassas, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role in the child’s life, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of family abuse. Standalone custody cases are filed in Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 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 Services
For more information on family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a nearby locality, you may also consult our Fairfax County family law lawyer or Prince William County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Manassas, see our Manassas criminal defense lawyer or Manassas DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about your attorney on the Kristen Fisher attorney profile.
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.