In Manassas, Virginia, divorce follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Uncontested divorces take 2-4 months; contested cases 9-18 months. Manassas Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue handles all divorces.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. The primary statute for divorce grounds is Va. Code § 20-91, which provides for no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (if no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists) or a 1-year separation (if minor children are involved). Fault-based 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. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering ten statutory factors. Child support is calculated using Virginia’s guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every family law case.
For the official text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and filing information, visit 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. The Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110 handles Manassas family law matters.
- File a complaint for divorce at Manassas Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230). Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve the divorce papers on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing set within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended; $100-$300/hour per party).
- Finalize the divorce through a final hearing (uncontested) or trial (contested).
In Manassas, Virginia family law matters carry no criminal penalties but involve significant financial and custodial consequences. Divorce outcomes depend on equitable distribution, child support guidelines, and spousal support factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Cost Range | Key Factors | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault; 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) | 2-4 months from filing | $86 filing fee + $12 sheriff service | Signed separation agreement required | No trial needed; final decree issued |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees ($3,000-$15,000+) | Equitable distribution of property | Potential trial; higher legal costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies; pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Parental role, child’s relationship, history of abuse | Custody evaluation may be ordered |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing until child turns 18 or graduates high school | Varies by income | Number of children, custody arrangement, healthcare costs | Modification available for changed circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration varies; may be temporary or permanent | Varies by income and need | Length of marriage, earning capacity, standard of living | Modification available for changed 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 attorney experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a landmark achievement that directly benefits family law clients. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also handles complex family law matters requiring advanced strategy. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has been practicing since 1997.
SRIS actively practices in Manassas — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span divorce, custody, child support, and equitable distribution matters across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue). The Fairfax office is accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Manassas? We serve Manassas and surrounding communities.
Neighborhoods served: Manassas.
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
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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?
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.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
Related localities: Fairfax Family Law Lawyer | Prince William County Family Law Lawyer
Other practice areas in Manassas: Criminal Defense Lawyer Manassas | DUI/DWI Lawyer Manassas
Learn more about our attorney team and visit our 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.