
In Prince William County, Virginia divorce cases follow equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 documented case results in Prince William County. A Private Adoption Lawyer Prince William County can guide you through complex family law matters.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Statutory Definition of Family Law in Prince William County
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, support, and property division. Under Va. Code § 20-91, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved, or 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. The firm was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor.
External Citation Links
Review the official Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) and the Prince William County General District Court website for official procedures.
- File a complaint for divorce at Prince William County Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110).
- Serve the other party with process — sheriff service costs approximately $12; private process server $50-$100.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Complete discovery, including financial disclosures and potentially business valuation or forensic accounting.
- Participate in mediation if ordered — costs $100-$300/hour per party.
- Attend final hearing or submit agreed final decree for uncontested cases.
In Prince William County, Virginia family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Factors | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months from filing | Filing fee ~$86; service ~$12-$100 | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Attorney fees; Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+; mediation $100-$300/hour | May require business valuation or forensic accounting |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | 10 factors considered |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Varies | Attorney fees | Duration depends on marriage length |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law. VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Ms. Powers handles family law matters in Prince William County.
Case Results in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 total documented case results across all practice areas in Prince William County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, works alongside Samantha Powers on family law matters in this jurisdiction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Prince William County
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Prince William County, 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Prince William County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and 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 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Prince William County Circuit Court handles all property division.
How is child custody decided in Prince William County, Virginia?
Custody in Prince William County 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. Prince William County J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
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 Prince William County Circuit Court.
Related Practice Areas in Prince William County
Our firm also handles criminal defense, DUI/DWI, and personal injury cases in Prince William County. For family law matters in nearby jurisdictions, see our Fairfax County family law page or Manassas family law page. Visit our Virginia family law hub for statewide information.