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 Family Law Statutes for Prince William County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Prince William County General District Court website provides local forms, fees, and procedural information.
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. Standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders are filed in Prince William County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce at the Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint served by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100). File proof of service.
- 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: Exchange financial disclosures. Complex cases may require business valuation experts or forensic accountants.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in negotiations or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to resolve property, custody, and support.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at Prince William County Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Prince William County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and potential spousal support determined by 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | 6-month or 1-year separation | Prince William County Circuit Court | 2-4 months |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | Prince William County Circuit Court | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Prince William County J&DR Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Prince William County J&DR Court | Establishment hearing |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Prince William County Circuit Court | 12-24 months if complex |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Authority in Virginia Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our firm brings deep knowledge to Prince William County family courts. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our team unique insight into property division law.
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 across all practice areas in Prince William County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Our experience includes successful resolutions in contested divorces, complex property division involving business assets, and child custody modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We are a family law lawyer near Prince William County, accessible for residents of 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 | (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.
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.
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 is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. Prince William County J&DR Court handles standalone custody 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 | Fairfax County Divorce Lawyer | Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Mr. Sris Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.