Manassas family law matters, including divorce and equitable distribution, are governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Private Adoption Lawyer Manassas can guide you through the legal process. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia family law is defined by the Virginia Code. For divorce, Va. Code § 20-91 provides the grounds: no-fault after a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. This statute requires the court to divide marital assets fairly, but not necessarily equally, based on 11 statutory factors. Child custody follows the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. Child support is calculated using Virginia’s guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1, which lists 13 factors the court must consider. An independent adoption lawyer Manassas can assist with adoption proceedings, which are handled under Va. Code § 63.2-1200 et seq. A non-agency adoption lawyer Manassas can help with private placements.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the official Virginia family law statutes, visit Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court information, see the Manassas General District Court website.
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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File a complaint for divorce at Manassas Circuit Court, 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service (approximately $12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing typically set within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement to resolve issues without trial.
- Attend the final hearing with a corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce.
In Manassas, family law matters involve legal standards rather than criminal penalties. The court determines outcomes based on statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Key Statute | Court | Timeline | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month or 1-year separation | Va. Code § 20-91 | Manassas Circuit Court | 2-4 months (uncontested); 9-18 months (contested) | Filing fee: approximately $86 |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division based on 11 factors | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Manassas Circuit Court | Varies with complexity | Business valuation may be required |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Manassas J&DR Court | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Manassas J&DR Court | Varies | Modification available upon change in circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Manassas Circuit Court | Varies | Modification available upon change in circumstances |
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 firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
SRIS actively practices in Manassas. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66, Route 28, Route 234 (Sudley Road/Prince William Pkwy), and Route 29. We serve the Manassas community. 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?
Yes. 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?
It depends. 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?
It depends. 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. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
It depends. 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. 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.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.