Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Manassas, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support. The key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This amendment reflects his deep involvement in shaping family law in Virginia.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For accurate legal information, consult these official government sources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Divorce grounds statute
- Manassas General District Court website – Court information and procedures
Manassas Family Court Procedures
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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and legal options.
- File the divorce complaint or custody petition at Manassas Circuit Court with the required filing fee.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse.
- Appear for all scheduled hearings, including pendente lite motions for temporary support and custody.
- Work toward a settlement agreement through negotiation or mediation, or prepare for trial if necessary.
- Receive the final divorce decree or custody order from the judge, which resolves all issues.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Manassas, family law matters involve specific procedures and potential outcomes rather than traditional penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property division and considers multiple factors for custody and support determinations.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service | Manassas Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing + attorney fees | Manassas Circuit |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | 3-12 months | Varies | Manassas J&DR |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis | 12-24 months complex | Valuation costs | Manassas Circuit |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Our Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have combined 120+ years of legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating our firm’s commitment to family law. We provide full representation for divorce, custody, support, and property division matters in Manassas and throughout Virginia.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our firm actively practices in Manassas and handles family law matters throughout Virginia.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We represent clients throughout the Manassas area and surrounding communities. As a family law lawyer near Manassas, we provide 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 | Local: (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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
Related Legal Services
Explore our other legal services:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide family law hub
- Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile – Of Counsel attorney
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.