Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Prince William County, Virginia
Prince William County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 documented family law results in Prince William County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at Prince William County Circuit Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly based on 11 statutory factors. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm unique insight into this critical statute.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. The primary statutes governing divorce in Prince William County include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving our firm direct experience with its application.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court procedures and forms, refer to the Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Family Court Process
Prince William County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- File initial pleadings at the Circuit Court clerk’s office with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party through sheriff service ($12) or private process server.
- Attend the scheduling conference to set discovery and mediation deadlines.
- Complete financial disclosure and exchange documents during discovery.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation to attempt settlement.
- Prepare for bench trial if mediation fails to resolve all issues.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Prince William County, divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault grounds. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs | Circuit Court |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Property division | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | 3-12 months | Filing fees + GAL costs | J&DR or Circuit |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have 120+ years of combined legal experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases.
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. Our family law team handles divorce, custody, support, and property division matters throughout Northern Virginia.
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts. We represent clients throughout Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. As a family law lawyer near Prince William County, we provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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). 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Services
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer | Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.