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. A Parenting Schedule Lawyer Prince William County can help you establish a workable custody and visitation plan that protects your children’s best interests.
Virginia Divorce and Custody Laws in Prince William County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. For divorce, Virginia requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and both parties sign a separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the best interests of the child, considering 10 statutory factors. Child support follows Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Court and Statute Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s divorce and custody statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly’s official code site for Title 20. For court procedures, forms, and local rules, visit the Prince William County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Prince William County Family Court
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. 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 a complaint for divorce or custody at the Prince William County Circuit Court or J&DR Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons through the sheriff’s office or a private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (if needed) for temporary custody, support, and spousal support orders.
- Complete financial disclosure affidavits and exchange discovery documents with the other party.
- Attend mediation (if ordered or agreed) to attempt settlement of custody, support, and property issues.
- Proceed to final hearing or trial if settlement is not reached; the court issues a final decree of divorce or custody order.
In Prince William County, Virginia family law matters involve no criminal penalties but carry significant financial and custodial consequences.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay child support (contempt) | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax refund intercept, passport denial |
| Violation of custody order | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible custody modification |
| Failure to comply with spousal support order | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, property liens |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Prince William County Family Law
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a rare achievement that demonstrates deep knowledge of family law. The firm has 4,739+ total documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law cases in Prince William County. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience.
Prince William County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 total documented case results across all practice areas in Prince William County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Prince William County Family Law Lawyer Near You
Our Fairfax Location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We are accessible via major highways. Our Fairfax Location represents clients in Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
Searching for a “family law lawyer near Prince William County” or “custody schedule lawyer Prince William County”? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law 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?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. 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 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.
What does a Parenting Schedule Lawyer Prince William County do?
A Parenting Schedule Lawyer Prince William County helps parents create a detailed custody and visitation plan that the court can approve. This includes setting regular parenting time, holiday schedules, vacation time, and transportation arrangements. The goal is to create a schedule that serves the child’s best interests.
How can a custody schedule lawyer Prince William County help modify an existing order?
A custody schedule lawyer Prince William County can file a motion to modify custody or visitation when circumstances have changed substantially. Common reasons include a parent’s relocation, change in work schedule, or concerns about the child’s safety. The court must find a material change in circumstances before modifying.
What is the role of a parenting time arrangement lawyer Prince William County in relocation cases?
A parenting time arrangement lawyer Prince William County helps parents handle the legal process when one parent wants to relocate with the child. Virginia law requires the relocating parent to provide notice and may require court approval if the move significantly impacts the existing parenting time arrangement.
Prince William County cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on parenting schedule in Virginia explains each stage.