Prince William County family law matters fall under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 documented case results in Prince William County. A Kinship Guardianship Lawyer Prince William County can help you secure legal custody of a relative child.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law is governed by Title 20 of the Virginia Code. For divorce, Va. Code § 20-91 defines grounds including no-fault after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 — personally amended by Mr. Sris — divides marital property fairly but not necessarily equally. Child custody follows the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 statutory factors. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. A Kinship Guardianship Lawyer Prince William County handles cases where a relative seeks legal custody of a child, governed by Va. Code § 20-124.2 and § 16.1-283.
Official resources: Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) and Prince William County General District Court.
- File a complaint at Prince William County Circuit Court, 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons — sheriff service costs approximately $12.
- Attend pendente lite hearing (21-60 days after motion) for temporary support and custody orders.
- Complete discovery: exchange financial documents, tax returns, and asset valuations.
- Attend mediation (available but not mandatory in Virginia) to attempt settlement.
- Final hearing: present evidence, witness testimony, and proposed property settlement agreement.
In Prince William County, family law cases involve no criminal penalties but carry significant financial and custodial consequences.
| Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (no-fault) | Civil matter | Filing fee ~$86; attorney fees vary | 2-4 months uncontested; 9-18 months contested | Property division, spousal support |
| Child custody | Civil matter | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | Varies by complexity | Parenting time, decision-making authority |
| Child support | Civil matter | Based on Virginia guidelines | Ongoing until child emancipates | Wage garnishment, tax intercept |
| Spousal support | Civil matter | Based on 13 statutory factors | Duration varies | Modification possible upon 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 legal experience and 4,739+ total documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) — a credential unique to this firm. The firm’s tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.” A relative guardianship lawyer Prince William County from our team can assist with kinship placement cases.
In Prince William County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). Accessible via I-95 and Route 28. Serving Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, Occoquan.
“Family law lawyer near Prince William County” — we represent clients throughout the area.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Prince William County, 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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Prince William County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Prince William County, 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).
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). Prince William County 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 Prince William County, Virginia?
Custody in Prince William County 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. Prince William County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Prince William County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 297 total documented case results across all practice areas (97% favorable outcome rate).
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 Prince William County 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.
What is a kinship guardianship in Virginia?
A kinship guardianship is a legal arrangement where a relative (grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling) obtains legal custody of a child when parents cannot care for them. Under Va. Code § 20-124.2 and § 16.1-283, the court considers the child’s best interests. A Kinship Guardianship Lawyer Prince William County can guide you through the Prince William County J&DR Court process.
Can a family member become a guardian in Prince William County?
Yes. A family member guardian lawyer Prince William County can help relatives file for guardianship under Va. Code § 16.1-283. The court requires a home study, background checks, and proof that placement with the relative serves the child’s best interests. Prince William County J&DR Court handles these petitions. The process typically takes 3-6 months.
What is the difference between guardianship and custody in Virginia?
Guardianship gives a relative legal authority over a child’s care and decisions, typically when parents are unable to provide care. Custody is a broader legal relationship established in divorce or parentage cases. Guardianship under Va. Code § 16.1-283 does not terminate parental rights but limits them. A Kinship Guardianship Lawyer Prince William County can explain which option fits your situation.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.