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.
In Manassas, family law matters are handled by the Manassas Circuit Court and the Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are defined in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests per Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using statewide guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
- Manassas General District Court website – Official court information, forms, and contact details.
Manassas Family Court Process
Manassas Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Schedule a consultation with an attorney to assess your case and Manassas court procedures.
- Gather all financial documents, asset records, and any existing agreements.
- File the initial pleading (e.g., divorce complaint) at the Manassas Circuit Court clerk’s office and pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the filed documents on your spouse and engage in the discovery process.
- Attend court-mandated mediation or settlement conferences to attempt resolution.
- Proceed to a contested hearing or trial at Manassas Circuit Court if settlement is not possible.
Family Law Outcomes and Considerations
In Manassas, family law cases involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties. Outcomes are based on statutory factors, not guilt or innocence.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or Fault | 2-24 months | Separation period, grounds, agreement |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Varies | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Varies | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | State Guidelines | Ongoing | Combined gross income, custody share |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors | Varies | Need, ability to pay, duration of marriage |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Background
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep, case-specific experience informs our approach to every Manassas family law matter.
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
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.
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.
Family Law Lawyer Near Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66 and Route 28. 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page.
- Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a neighboring locality.
- Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area in Manassas.
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
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.