In Manassas, Virginia, divorce is governed by equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 — personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Manassas Circuit Court handles all divorce filings at 9311 Lee Avenue.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds); Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case.
For the official text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, see Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Manassas General District Court website (official Virginia Courts).
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. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint at Manassas Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230). Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: The sheriff serves your spouse with the complaint. Sheriff service: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
- Negotiate a Settlement: Your attorney negotiates a property settlement agreement covering asset division, spousal support, and child-related matters. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing (if needed): For temporary support and custody, a pendente lite hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Final Hearing: For uncontested divorce with a signed agreement, the final hearing takes 15-30 minutes. You need one corroborating witness.
- Final Decree: The judge signs the final decree of divorce. Uncontested: 2-4 months. Contested: 9-18 months. Complex cases: 12-24 months.
In Manassas, Virginia, divorce outcomes depend on the type of divorce, asset complexity, and whether you have minor children. The table below outlines the legal standards and timelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Factors | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault; 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) | 2-4 months from filing | Filing fee: ~$86; service: ~$12-$100 | Requires signed separation agreement and corroborating witness |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds (adultery, cruelty, desertion, felony) | 9-18 months | Attorney fees; Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour | May require forensic accountant for business valuation |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months | Business valuation: $5,000-$20,000+; retirement asset division: $1,000-$5,000 | Mr. Sris personally amended this statute |
| 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+; custody evaluation: $2,000-$5,000 | J&DR Court handles standalone custody; Circuit Court handles custody within divorce |
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 over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a unique achievement that demonstrates deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO and Managing Attorney, also handles complex family law matters in Manassas. He is a former prosecutor, founded the firm in 1997, and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. His background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in financial and business asset division cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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.
Our Fairfax Location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue). The Fairfax office is approximately 15 miles from Manassas Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We serve the Manassas community and surrounding areas. For a family law lawyer near Manassas, contact us 24/7.
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.
How long does a divorce take in Manassas, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with a 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. 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?
Yes. 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. Attorney fees vary based on case complexity and whether the divorce is contested.
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 from division.
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.
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. Filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer page. Compare with Fairfax County Divorce Lawyer or Prince William County Divorce Lawyer. For other legal needs in Manassas, see our Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer or Manassas DUI Lawyer. Visit our Fairfax Office page for directions. Learn more about Kristen Fisher.
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.