Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Manassas, Virginia
In Manassas, divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by several key statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce, including both no-fault and fault-based options. Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended, governs equitable distribution of marital property. Va. Code § 20-108.1 provides the child support guidelines, while § 20-124.2 outlines the best interests factors for child custody determinations. Va. Code § 20-107.1 lists the factors courts consider for spousal support awards.
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 6.1 (Divorce) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Family Court Procedures
Family law matters in Manassas are split between two courts. Manassas Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support cases. 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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter, whether divorce, custody, or support.
- Prepare and file the necessary pleadings at Manassas Circuit Court for divorce or Manassas J&DR Court for standalone custody matters.
- Engage in discovery to gather financial documents and other evidence, then negotiate a settlement through mediation or direct discussions.
- Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and prepare for trial if settlement cannot be reached.
- Obtain a final divorce decree or custody order from the court, ensuring all terms are properly documented and enforceable.
Family Law Penalties and Costs in Manassas
In Manassas, family law matters involve specific court costs and timelines rather than criminal penalties. Virginia’s equitable distribution system divides marital property fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fees | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Manassas Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Service fees: $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Manassas Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hr; GAL: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Manassas J&DR Court | 3-12 months | ~$86 | GAL: $500-$2,500+ |
| Complex Property Division | Manassas Circuit Court | 12-24 months | ~$86 | Forensic accountant: $150-$400/hr |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Our Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm unique insight into 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 in Manassas
SRIS actively practices family law in Manassas. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our experience includes successful divorce negotiations, favorable custody arrangements, and equitable property division settlements in Manassas courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Services in Manassas
Our Fairfax Location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66, Route 28, Route 234 (Sudley Road/Prince William Pkwy), and Route 29. We provide family law lawyer services near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown Manassas.
We serve the Manassas area and surrounding communities. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (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. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
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. 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need assistance in nearby areas, consider our Fairfax County family law lawyer or Prince William County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Manassas, explore our Manassas criminal defense lawyer or Manassas DUI/DWI lawyer services. Learn more about Kristen M. Fisher, Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor).
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.