Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Prince William County, Virginia
Prince William County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 documented case results in Prince William County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at the Prince William County Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce if you have no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Prince William County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris played a key role in amending this statute. Grounds for divorce are in Va. Code § 20-91. Child custody decisions follow the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Equitable distribution statute.
- Prince William County General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
Prince William County Family Court Process
Prince William County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and support matters. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action at the Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) serve the complaint and summons on your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a motion. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents. Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to resolve issues without trial.
- Prepare for trial or final hearing: If settlement fails, prepare for trial. For uncontested cases with an agreement, attend a brief final hearing.
Prince William County Family Law Penalties & Costs
In Prince William County, divorce carries court filing fees starting at $86, with total costs varying based on case complexity, and child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or Fault | Filing fee: ~$86 + service fees | 6-month or 1-year separation required for no-fault |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on income | Monthly payment per VA guidelines | Enforced by J&DR Court; contempt possible |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital assets/debts | 11 statutory factors considered |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 factors | Temporary or permanent awards | Modifiable based on changed circumstances |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are not guarantees of any specific result in your case.
Firm Credentials in Prince William County
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 documented case results in Prince William County across all practice areas, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Office Serving Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We are a family law lawyer near Prince William County and the Prince William County Courthouse area. We serve Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Prince William County, Virginia?
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.
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; 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 and mediation.
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). 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.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page.
- Fairfax County Divorce & Family Lawyer – Sibling locality page.
- Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area page.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.