
In Manassas, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for Manassas family law matters, including divorce, custody, and property division. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Manassas
Virginia family law is governed by several key statutes. Divorce grounds are found under Va. Code § 20-91, which provides for no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Resources for Manassas Family Law
- Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Manassas General District Court — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge for Manassas Family Law
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.
- File a complaint for divorce at Manassas Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service or private process server.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody (typically within 21-60 days).
- Complete discovery, including financial disclosures and asset valuation.
- Attend mediation or negotiate a settlement agreement.
- Final hearing or submission of agreed order for final decree of divorce.
In Manassas, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution, child support, and spousal support determinations based on statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year (with minor children) | 2-4 months | Manassas Circuit Court | ~$86 | Sheriff service: ~$12; Private process server: $50-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Manassas Circuit Court | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+; Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies | Manassas J&DR Court | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Varies | Manassas J&DR Court | Varies | Modification: additional filing fees |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Manassas Family Law Case
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 over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, which directly impacts how marital property is divided in Manassas divorces. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Bar Admissions: Virginia (2023), Florida (2005). J.D./M.A., University of Florida (2005); Ph.D., Communication, UCSB (2017). 18+ years of experience. Samantha focuses on family law matters in Virginia, including divorce, custody, and equitable distribution.
Case Results for Manassas Family Law
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 Washington, D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Manassas Family Law Lawyer Near You
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue). The Fairfax location is accessible via I-66, Route 28, Route 234 (Sudley Road/Prince William Pkwy), and Route 29.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Manassas? Our Fairfax location is conveniently located to serve Manassas and surrounding communities.
We serve Manassas and the surrounding areas.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Manassas
How long does a divorce take in Manassas, 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 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.
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 handles all property division. 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 Practice Areas
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer
- Prince William County Family Law Lawyer
- Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Manassas DUI Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher — Of Counsel
- Fairfax Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.