In Prince William County, Virginia, divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 documented case results in Prince William County (97% favorable outcome rate). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Statutory Definition of Divorce in Virginia
Virginia law provides for both no-fault and fault-based divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-91, you may file for no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or after 1-year separation if you have minor children. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application.
External Citation Links
Review the official statutes and court resources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Prince William County General District Court — official court website
Insider Procedural Edge for Prince William County
Prince William County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Prince William County J&DR 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.
- File the Complaint: File a divorce complaint at Prince William County Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: Serve the complaint via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100). Your spouse has 21 days to respond.
- File Pendente Lite Motions: If needed, file motions for temporary support, custody, or use of marital property. Hearings typically set within 21-60 days.
- Negotiate Settlement: Work toward a property settlement agreement covering asset division, support, and custody. Mediation costs $100-$300/hour per party.
- Attend Final Hearing: Present your case with a corroborating witness. Uncontested: 2-4 months. Contested: 9-18 months.
- Final Decree: Judge signs the final divorce decree. Complex cases with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months.
In Prince William County, Virginia, divorce carries a range of outcomes from uncontested (2-4 months) to contested (9-18 months) with complex equitable distribution (12-24 months).
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Court | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Circuit Court | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + discovery costs | Circuit Court | May require Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | No-fault or fault | 12-24 months | $86 filing fee + experienced fees | Circuit Court | Business valuation, retirement assets |
| Custody (standalone) | Best interests | 3-6 months | J&DR filing fee | J&DR Court | Guardian ad Litem may be appointed |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute — a credential no other Virginia family law firm can claim. The firm’s tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 total documented case results across all practice areas in Prince William County (97% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Prince William County
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Our Fairfax location is accessible from Prince William County courts via I-66 and Route 28. Serving Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Prince William County
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?
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). 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.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Prince William County?
Yes. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A lawyer ensures your property settlement agreement meets all legal requirements and that the hearing proceeds without delays. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving the firm unique insight into equitable distribution.
What is the difference between Circuit Court and J&DR Court for family law in Prince William County?
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. Both courts are located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110.
Can I modify a custody or support order in Prince William County?
Yes. You can file a motion to modify custody or support in Prince William County J&DR Court (standalone) or Circuit Court (within a divorce case). Modification requires a material change in circumstances. The court will reconsider the best interests of the child for custody or the Virginia guidelines for support.
Internal Resources
- Virginia Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- Fairfax County Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- Manassas Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince William County DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Fairfax Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.