Family Law Lawyer Manassas, VA

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., represents clients in family law matters throughout Manassas, Virginia. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a revision to Virginia’s equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in divorce. The firm’s Fairfax Location serves individuals and families in Manassas, handling divorce, child custody, spousal support, equitable distribution, and related disputes. With extensive combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, the firm works to resolve family matters efficiently while protecting each client’s long‑term interests. To speak with a Manassas family law attorney, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

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What Family Law Means in Manassas, Virginia

Family law in Manassas covers the full range of domestic‑relations issues: divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution of marital property, and modifications of existing court orders. Because Manassas is an independent city located within Prince William County, family law proceedings are heard at multiple court levels. The Manassas General District Court handles certain preliminary matters, while the Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court addresses custody, visitation, child support, and protective‑order petitions outside of divorce. Divorce complaints, equitable distribution claims, and spousal support requests are filed in the Manassas Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue.

Virginia remains an equitable‑distribution state under Va. Code § 20‑107.3. A judge divides marital property fairly—not necessarily equally—after considering statutory factors such as each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, the duration of the marriage, and the circumstances that led to the separation. Separate property, including assets owned before the marriage or received as an inheritance or gift, is generally excluded from the marital estate. Residency and domiciliary requirements also apply: at least one party must have been a bona fide resident and domiciliary of Virginia for six months before filing. Understanding these local procedural nuances is important, and our Fairfax Location regularly serves clients appearing in Manassas courts.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Family Law Cases

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel take a collaborative approach to each family matter. They begin with a consultation to understand the client’s goals, then outline a strategy that may include negotiation, mediation, or litigation. For divorce cases, they address both fault‑based grounds and no‑fault separation. When fault grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or desertion are alleged, the team carefully evaluates the evidence and its potential impact on property division and support. For no‑fault divorces, they guide clients through the separation‑period requirements and the drafting of a comprehensive property settlement agreement.

Whether a matter is contested or uncontested, the attorneys prepare all necessary pleadings, engage expert witnesses when needed, and represent clients at pendente lite hearings and trial. The Manassas Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and equitable distribution, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court resolves custody and support issues in standalone matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel attend scheduled conferences, pretrial motions, and final hearings, working to resolve disputes as efficiently as the court’s calendar and the complexity of the case allow.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. Admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, he draws on his prior courtroom experience when evaluating evidence, negotiating settlements, and, when necessary, trying cases. His testimony before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 reflects a detailed understanding of the equitable‑distribution framework that governs divorce property division throughout the Commonwealth.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to family law matters. Results may vary. The team has handled documented cases across multiple practice areas since the firm’s founding. Clients in Manassas benefit from the firm’s multi‑state perspective and its network of Of Counsel who concentrate in family law, criminal defense, and related fields. Collectively, they work toward favorable outcomes through preparation, factual analysis, and a client‑focused approach. To request a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a family law case take in Virginia?

The length of a family law case in Virginia varies significantly based on the complexity of the issues, whether the case is contested, and the court’s caseload. An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement may be finalized within a timeframe set by the court after the required separation period. Contested divorce proceedings, particularly those involving custody disputes, business valuation, or allegations of fault, can extend for many months. The Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and Manassas Circuit Court both operate on judicial schedules that influence hearing dates. For a fuller discussion of timelines that apply to your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

How much does a family law lawyer cost in Manassas, Virginia?

Legal fees for a family law matter depend on the nature of the issues, the level of cooperation between the parties, and whether the case resolves through negotiation or litigation. Costs may include filing fees, service‑of‑process expenses, and fees for expert witnesses such as forensic accountants or business valuators when complex property division is involved. Mediation, if used, carries separate costs. Because every family’s financial circumstances differ, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel discuss fee arrangements during the initial consultation. To learn more, reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747.

What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?

Virginia law provides both fault‑based and no‑fault grounds for divorce. No‑fault divorce is available after a six‑month separation if the parties have no minor children and have signed a separation agreement, or after a one‑year separation in other circumstances. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction resulting in imprisonment for more than one year. A fault ground may affect spousal support and property division. All divorce actions must be filed in the circuit court; in Manassas, that is the Manassas Circuit Court. For case‑specific advice, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

How is child custody decided in Virginia?

Virginia courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, examining ten statutory factors listed in Va. Code § 20‑124.3. Those factors include the child’s age and health, each parent’s relationship with the child, each parent’s willingness to support a relationship with the other parent, and any history of abuse. In Manassas, custody petitions filed outside of divorce are heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court; when custody is part of a divorce, the Circuit Court decides it. For guidance on custody matters, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Do I need a lawyer for family law in Manassas, Virginia?

While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, having experienced counsel can help you understand your rights and navigate procedural requirements. Family law involves detailed statutes, court rules, and local practices that can affect the outcome. An attorney can assist with drafting separation agreements, presenting evidence, and advocating for a fair division of property or a custody arrangement that suits the child’s needs. For a consultation about your Manassas family matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What is equitable distribution in Virginia?

Equitable distribution is the method a Virginia judge uses to divide marital property fairly, but not necessarily equally, upon divorce. The court classifies property as marital, separate, or hybrid, then values each item before distributing it. Eleven statutory factors guide the court, including each spouse’s contributions, the marriage’s duration, and how the property was acquired. Separate property, such as pre‑marital assets and inheritances, is generally not divided. Real estate, retirement accounts, and business interests often require careful valuation. Mr. Sris testified on a related revision to Va. Code § 20‑107.3, the equitable distribution statute. For advice on your property division, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Official Resources:
Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations)
Virginia Judicial System
Manassas General District Court

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Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.