Family Law Attorney in Manassas, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Manassas, Virginia family law cases involve equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Our Manassas family law team handles divorce, custody, and property division at the Manassas Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law: Equitable Distribution & Divorce Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court applies 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to determine a fair division. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving our firm unique insight into its application. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and a signed separation agreement exists, or a 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child support follows Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Court & Statute Resources
Insider Procedural Edge: Manassas Family Court Process
Manassas Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Manassas 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Forensic accountants and business valuators are often used for complex marital estates in Manassas.
- File the Complaint: File a divorce complaint at Manassas Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230). Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: Serve the complaint via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a Pendente Lite Motion: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a motion. Hearing is set within 21-60 days.
- Attend Mediation: Mediation is available but not mandatory. Costs range from $100-$300/hour per party.
- Final Hearing: Present your case at the final hearing. Uncontested cases resolve in 2-4 months; contested cases take 9-18 months.
Family Law Outcomes in Manassas, Virginia
In Manassas, Virginia family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and spousal support awards under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) | 2-4 months (uncontested); 9-18 months (contested) | Manassas Circuit Court | Separation agreement, corroborating witness |
| Divorce (Fault) | Adultery, cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment) | Varies by grounds | Manassas Circuit Court | Proof of fault grounds |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (11 factors) | Within divorce timeline | Manassas Circuit Court | Marital vs. separate property, contributions, economic circumstances |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 (10 factors) | Standalone: J&DR Court; Within divorce: Circuit Court | Manassas J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Parental roles, child’s relationship, history of abuse |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing; modifiable upon material change | Manassas J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Income, custody arrangement, extraordinary expenses |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Ongoing; modifiable upon material change | Manassas Circuit Court | Duration of marriage, standard of living, earning capacity |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and brings over 25 years of family law experience to Manassas cases.
Case Results in Manassas Family Law
SRIS actively practices in Manassas — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span divorce, custody, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Manassas Family Law Location
Our Fairfax Location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We are accessible via I-66, Route 28, Route 234 (Sudley Road/Prince William Pkwy), and Route 29.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Manassas? We serve Manassas and surrounding communities.
Neighborhoods served: Manassas.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Manassas
How long does a divorce take in Manassas, Virginia?
It depends. 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?
It depends. 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 vary based on complexity.
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.
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.
Related Practice Areas & Locations
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.