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. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Manassas
Family law matters in Manassas are governed by Virginia state statutes. The primary laws 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, a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997, personally amended the equitable distribution statute, providing unique insight into its application.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current information, consult these official government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) – official Virginia General Assembly website.
- Manassas General District Court website – for court procedures, forms, and contact information.
Manassas Family Court Process
Manassas Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action at the Manassas Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff, private process server, or through acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing (if needed): If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures, respond to interrogatories, and conduct depositions if the case is contested.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, the case will be set for trial before a judge in Manassas Circuit Court to decide all contested issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Manassas, family law matters involve specific legal standards and potential financial consequences rather than criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property division and statutory guidelines for child support.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital assets and debts | Business valuation, retirement account division, potential sale of marital home |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Based on combined gross income, number of children, custody arrangement, and healthcare costs | Wage garnishment for enforcement, contempt for non-payment |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support based on need and ability to pay | Tax implications, modifiable based on changed circumstances |
| Divorce Waiting Period | No-fault Separation | 6 months (no minor children with agreement) or 1 year (with minor children) | Fault grounds (adultery, cruelty) have no waiting period but require proof |
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 every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing clients with representation grounded in deep statutory understanding. The firm’s tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects its approach to family law matters in Manassas.
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 and Client Outcomes
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. The firm actively represents 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 are a family law lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown Manassas.
We serve 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 | (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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub – overview of family law across Virginia.
Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer | Prince William County Family Law Lawyer – representation in nearby localities.
Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer | Manassas DUI/DWI Lawyer – other practice areas in Manassas.
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.