Prince William County family law matters fall under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 documented case results in Prince William County. A Private Adoption Lawyer Prince William County can guide you through the legal process. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Under Va. Code § 20-91, Virginia allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and a signed separation agreement exists, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property — this statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Va. Code § 20-124.3 establishes the 10-factor best-interest standard for child custody determinations. Va. Code § 20-108.1 provides the child support guidelines formula based on combined gross income. Va. Code § 20-107.1 lists 13 factors for spousal support awards. A Private Adoption Lawyer Prince William County can assist with adoption proceedings under Virginia law.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly legislative information system. For Prince William County court procedures, visit the Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Prince William County 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. An independent adoption lawyer Prince William County can provide guidance on adoption procedures separate from agency involvement.
- File a complaint for divorce at Prince William County Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($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).
- Exchange financial disclosures and attend mediation if ordered by the court.
- Attend the final hearing with your corroborating witness to obtain the final divorce decree.
In Prince William County, family law matters carry no criminal penalties but involve court costs, filing fees, and potential financial obligations including child support, spousal support, and attorney fees.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Financial Impact | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Attorney fees, filing costs | 6-month separation required (no minor children) |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | ~$86 | Attorney fees, court costs, potential Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | 1-year separation required with minor children |
| Child Custody | Best interest standard | Varies | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+), mediation ($100-$300/hour) | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Guidelines formula | Varies | ~$86 | Based on combined gross income | Modification available upon material change |
| Spousal Support | 13-factor analysis | Varies | ~$86 | Based on 13 statutory factors | Modification available upon material change |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is a unique credential that no other family law attorney in Virginia can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” A non-agency adoption lawyer Prince William County can assist with independent adoption matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 total documented case results across all practice areas in Prince William County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 15 miles from Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110), accessible via I-66 and Route 28. A family law lawyer near Prince William County can assist with divorce, custody, and support matters. We serve Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
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.
How much does a divorce cost in Prince William County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs may apply for complex cases.
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 handles all property division. Separate property 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 matters.
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.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer page. For family law services in nearby areas, see our Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer page. For other legal services in Prince William County, see our Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
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.