
Prince William County family law matters involve equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 documented case results in Prince William County. Uncontested divorce takes 2-4 months; contested cases take 9-18 months. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
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 to determine a fair division. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved with a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1 year or more. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors.
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, see Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Court information is available at 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. The Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110 handles Prince William County family law matters.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint at Prince William County Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue). Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: The sheriff serves the complaint ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100). Your spouse has 21 days to respond.
- Pendente Lite Hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, your attorney files a motion. The hearing is typically set within 21-60 days.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial documents. Your attorney negotiates a property settlement agreement covering assets, debts, support, and custody.
- Final Hearing: For uncontested cases, a brief hearing with a corroborating witness. For contested cases, a trial before the judge.
- Final Decree: The judge signs the final decree of divorce. Your marriage is legally dissolved.
In Prince William County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support calculated by Virginia guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Factors | Key Statute | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) | 2-4 months | Filing fee: $86; service: $12-$100 | Va. Code § 20-91 | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Same as above, or fault grounds | 9-18 months | Discovery, depositions, experienced witnesses | Va. Code § 20-91 | May require trial |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | J&DR Court handles standalone custody |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing | Modification possible | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Enforcement through court |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Modification possible | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration depends on marriage length |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Part of divorce case | Business valuation, retirement asset division | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Personally amended by Mr. Sris |
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 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 achievement is a documented, real-world contribution to Virginia family law that no other firm can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Samantha Powers focuses exclusively on Virginia family law matters, including divorce, custody, support, and equitable distribution. She brings a unique combination of legal experience and communication skills to every case.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on all complex family law matters. His personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 gives the firm an unparalleled understanding of Virginia’s equitable distribution framework.
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, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Fairfax location is accessible from Prince William County via I-66 and Route 28. We serve clients throughout Prince William County, including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. If you are searching for a Relative Adoption Lawyer Prince William County, our team can help. We also handle kinship adoption petition lawyer Prince William County matters and family member adoption lawyer Prince William County cases.
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?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and 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). Prince William County Circuit Court 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.
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.
What is the role of a Relative Adoption Lawyer Prince William County?
A Relative Adoption Lawyer Prince William County helps family members adopt a child when the biological parents cannot care for them. This process often involves a kinship adoption petition lawyer Prince William County who files the necessary paperwork in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. A family member adoption lawyer Prince William County ensures the adoption complies with Virginia law and protects the child’s best interests.
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.
Virginia Divorce & Family Law Lawyer | Fairfax County Divorce & Family Law Lawyer | Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer