Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Manassas, Virginia
Manassas Divorce Lawyers at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handle marriage dissolution and all family law matters in Manassas Circuit Court. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce. Our firm, founded in 1997, has 120+ years of combined attorney experience. We provide full divorce representation and strategic legal guidance.
Virginia Divorce Law and Equitable Distribution
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. This means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, based on 11 statutory factors. The process of marriage dissolution begins with filing a complaint in the appropriate circuit court. For a no-fault divorce, you must be separated for six months (if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement) or one year (if you have minor children). Fault grounds, such as adultery or cruelty, can be filed immediately but require proof.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, refer to the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court forms and local rules for Manassas can be found on the Manassas General District Court website.
Handling a Family Law Case in Manassas
Manassas Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- Consult with a Manassas divorce attorney to review your grounds for divorce and goals.
- File a Complaint for Divorce with the Manassas Circuit Court clerk’s office and pay the filing fee.
- Ensure your spouse is properly served with the divorce papers.
- If contested, engage in discovery and attend settlement conferences or mediation.
- Finalize the divorce through a court hearing, presenting your settlement agreement or trying the case before a judge.
Potential Outcomes in a Virginia Divorce
In Manassas, a divorce can result in the division of all marital assets and debts, orders for spousal support, and determinations of child custody, visitation, and support.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, division of marital property. |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support based on need and ability to pay. |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal and physical custody arrangements. |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.2) | Monthly support based on combined income and custody share. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Manassas Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results, our team brings deep, practical knowledge to every case. We understand the procedures and expectations of the Manassas courts.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific Manassas case counts are not isolated, our firm-wide practice has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a high rate of favorable outcomes for our clients. Our approach is collaborative; for instance, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, often consults on complex financial aspects of divorce cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Manassas Divorce Lawyers Near You
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts. We are your local divorce attorney near Manassas, accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We serve Manassas and surrounding communities.
Available 24/7: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Fairfax Office: 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
In-Person Meetings: By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Manassas, Virginia?
It depends. An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement can take 2-4 months. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months, and complex cases with business valuations can take 12-24 months. A pendente lite hearing for temporary orders is typically set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Manassas, Virginia?
The Manassas Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, and potentially a Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like assets owned before marriage or received by gift, is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Manassas, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests, considering ten factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3, such as each parent’s role and the child’s relationships. Standalone custody cases are in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court; custody within a divorce is handled by Manassas Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment of one year or more.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in Manassas and DUI defense in Manassas.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.