Family Law Lawyer Prince William County, VA

You are facing a family law issue in Prince William County, Virginia. Perhaps you are considering divorce, need to establish custody of your children, or are seeking a modification of support. Your financial future, your relationship with your children, and your peace of mind are at stake. You want an attorney who knows the courtrooms in Manassas, understands how judges in the Thirty‑first Judicial District handle contested matters, and can guide you through every step. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has been representing individuals throughout Prince William County—including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Gainesville, Haymarket, and Lake Ridge—since 1997. We understand the stress family disputes bring, and we are here to help you work toward a stable resolution. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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Your Legal Options in a Family Law Case

A family law dispute in Prince William County can take many forms. The right strategy depends on your specific situation. One path is an uncontested divorce: when both spouses agree on all issues—property division, support, and custody—they can sign a separation agreement and ask the Prince William County Circuit Court to enter a final decree. Virginia law permits a no‑fault divorce after a separation of six months if there are no minor children and a written agreement resolves all matters, or after one year of living separate and apart if there are minor children or no written agreement.

If you cannot reach agreement, a contested divorce may be necessary. Here, the Circuit Court will decide equitable distribution, spousal support, and custody after a trial. Virginia also recognizes fault‑based grounds, including adultery, cruelty, and desertion. Adultery, if proven, eliminates any waiting period. In addition to divorce, our firm handles standalone custody and visitation petitions in the Prince William County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, as well as child support establishment and modification. Whether you are pursuing a protective order, negotiating a property settlement, or litigating a high‑conflict custody dispute, we help you understand your options and take the steps that best protect your interests.

What to Expect in the Family Law Process

When you work with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., your case begins with a confidential consultation. We listen to your goals, review the facts, and develop a clear strategy. For a divorce, a complaint is filed in Prince William County Circuit Court, which is located at 9311 Lee Avenue in Manassas. The Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and equitable distribution, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles custody, visitation, and support matters outside of a divorce action.

After filing, the court will schedule an initial hearing or status conference. In uncontested cases, once the separation requirement is met and a written agreement is signed, a hearing can be set quickly. In contested cases, discovery—exchanging financial records, appraisals, and other evidence—is often necessary. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia, and many disputes can be resolved without a trial. If settlement is not possible, we prepare your case for trial, presenting evidence and arguments to the judge. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and help you navigate each stage.

The Stakes in a Family Law Matter

The outcome of a family law case can have lasting financial and personal consequences. Virginia is an equitable distribution state: marital property is divided fairly, but not always equally, based on 11 statutory factors that include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the circumstances surrounding the divorce. A business, retirement accounts, or a professional practice may need valuation, and the court can order a monetary award to create a just division.

Custody decisions are made under the trusted‑interests‑of‑the‑child standard, which looks at each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, and any history of abuse or neglect. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines, and spousal support may be awarded based on need and ability to pay. Without experienced guidance, you could receive an unfair share of property or a less favorable custody arrangement. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys and Mr. Sris work to secure outcomes that reflect the facts of your life. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

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

Practicing since 1997

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He has handled family law matters in courts across Virginia for more than two decades and testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a bill that revised the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring significant experience in litigation, custody disputes, and complex property division. Together, they provide multi‑state representation in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Our Fairfax location serves Prince William County and the surrounding communities; all consultations are by appointment. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a divorce take in Prince William County?

The timeline depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, the complexity of the financial issues, and the court’s calendar. An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement can be finalized relatively quickly once the required separation period has passed. A contested divorce that goes to trial on custody, support, and property division will take longer. Cases involving business valuations or international assets may extend further. The clerk’s office at the Prince William County Circuit Court can provide general scheduling information, and we can give you a more tailored estimate after reviewing your situation.

How much does a divorce cost?

Costs vary widely depending on whether the divorce is contested, whether expert witnesses are needed, and the amount of time spent in court. Uncontested divorces typically involve lower legal fees because less attorney time is required. Contested cases with extensive discovery, appraisals, and trial preparation will cost more. At an initial consultation, we discuss fee arrangements and answer your questions. Reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to learn more.

Is Virginia a community property state?

No. Virginia follows equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20‑107.3, including each spouse’s contributions, the length of the marriage, and the reasons for the divorce. Separate property—assets owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance—is typically not divided. The Prince William County Circuit Court handles all property division.

How is child custody decided in Prince William County?

Custody is determined by the best interests of the child under Virginia law. Judges look at factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s age and health, the parents’ willingness to support contact with the other parent, and any history of abuse. Both the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and the Circuit Court can issue custody orders. An experienced attorney can help you present evidence about your parenting and the child’s needs.

What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?

Virginia allows both no‑fault and fault‑based divorce grounds. No‑fault divorce requires a separation of six months if there are no minor children and a written separation agreement, or one year otherwise. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, willful desertion for one year, and a felony conviction with imprisonment of more than one year. The specific ground can affect property division and spousal support.

Do I need a lawyer for a family law matter?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but the complexity of family law makes representation highly advisable. Mistakes in a separation agreement, custody petition, or financial disclosure can have long‑term consequences. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf, ensure deadlines are met, and present your case effectively in court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers a confidential consultation so you can discuss your matter before deciding how to proceed. Reach us at (888) 437‑7747.

Request a Consultation

The family law matter you are facing deserves careful, experienced attention. To speak with Mr. Sris or the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys about your case in Prince William County, call (888) 437‑7747 or contact us online. Appointments are held by telephone or at our Fairfax location; we serve clients throughout Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, and all of Prince William County. We are available 24 hours a day to take your call.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
By appointment only. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule.

For a detailed statutory breakdown of Virginia divorce law, see our comprehensive analysis on srislawyer.com.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

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