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 General District Court.
In Manassas, divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Manassas
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that apply in Manassas. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery. 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—based on 11 statutory factors. Child custody determinations follow Va. Code § 20-124.3, which outlines the child’s best interests standard with 10 specific factors. Child support calculations use the Virginia guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1, based on the parents’ combined gross income and the number of children.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current Virginia family law statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For local court procedures and forms, visit the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Family Court Process
Family law matters in Manassas are heard at the Manassas General District Court located at 9311 Lee Avenue. The court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders are typically handled by the Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Manassas Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served by sheriff, private process server, or accepted service to establish jurisdiction.
- Attend scheduling conference: The court will schedule a conference to set deadlines for discovery, mediation, and trial dates.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and attend court-ordered or voluntary mediation to attempt settlement.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare exhibits, witness lists, and legal arguments for the final hearing before the judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Manassas, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property division, no-fault divorce after separation periods, and statutory guidelines for child support and custody determinations.
| Matter | Legal Standard / Classification | Timeline / Outcome | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (separation) | 2-4 months | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | Court fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Ongoing until emancipation | Based on combined income & number of children |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor test (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Determined at final hearing | Fair division of marital property & debts |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
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. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative involvement in family law. The firm maintains a focused practice with attorneys who each have well over a decade of experience. This background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in complex financial divorce cases involving business valuation or retirement assets.
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 achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. The firm actively practices in Manassas, handling divorce, custody disputes, and complex property division cases. Our approach combines thorough case preparation with strategic negotiation and, when necessary, vigorous courtroom advocacy.
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, 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. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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
For more information on Virginia family law, 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, see our Manassas criminal defense lawyer or Manassas DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.