
Manassas Family Law Lawyer — What Are Your Rights in a Divorce?
In Manassas, Virginia, divorce follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. You need a Support Contempt Lawyer Manassas who understands local court procedures at the Manassas Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to determine a fair division. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, or gifts — is excluded from division. A Support Contempt Lawyer Manassas can help you understand how these rules apply to your specific situation.
Review the official statute: Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court information, visit the Manassas General District Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce at the Manassas Circuit Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through the sheriff or a private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support or custody if needed.
- Attend mediation to resolve property division, custody, and support issues.
- Submit a signed property settlement agreement to the court for approval.
- Attend the final hearing to obtain your final divorce decree.
In Manassas, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution, child support guidelines, and spousal support factors under state law.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (Support) | Civil/Criminal | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
| Contempt of Court (Custody) | Civil/Criminal | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of visitation rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, providing the firm with unique authority in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris — Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney. Bar admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York. Former prosecutor. Founded the firm in 1997. Personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel. Bar admissions: Virginia, Florida. J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005. Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017. 18+ years of experience.
SRIS actively practices in Manassas. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 15 miles from the Manassas Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 28.
Family law lawyer near Manassas, Virginia.
Serving: Manassas.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Manassas, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement: 2-4 months. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Manassas, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
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. Separate property is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Manassas, Virginia?
It depends. Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse.
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).
What is a contempt of court motion in family law?
A contempt of court motion is a legal request asking the court to enforce a prior order when one party has violated it. A contempt of court motion lawyer Manassas can help you file this motion if your ex-spouse has violated a support or custody order.
What happens if my ex violates a court order?
You can file a contempt motion. A court order violation lawyer Manassas can assist you in gathering evidence and presenting your case to the court. The court may order fines, jail time, or modification of the existing order.
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