In Prince William County, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 documented case results in Prince William County. An Alimony Modification Lawyer Prince William County can help adjust spousal support when circumstances change. Contact us for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Understanding Family Law in Prince William County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning 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 divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Prince William County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
External Citation Links
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and the Prince William County General District Court website.
- File the Complaint: File a divorce complaint at Prince William County Circuit Court, 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Wait for Response: Your spouse has 21 days to file a response. If uncontested, proceed to final hearing.
- Attend Hearing: Present your case with a corroborating witness. Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 2-4 months.
- Final Decree: Judge signs the final divorce decree. Property division, support, and custody terms become legally binding.
In Prince William County, Virginia, divorce carries a range of outcomes from uncontested (2-4 months) to contested (9-18 months), with complex cases taking 12-24 months.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Divorce (no minor children) | Civil | None | $86 filing fee | None | 6-month separation required |
| No-Fault Divorce (with minor children) | Civil | None | $86 filing fee | None | 1-year separation required |
| Contested Divorce | Civil | None | $86+ filing fee | None | 9-18 months; Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). The firm has 297 total documented case results across all practice areas in Prince William County, with a 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
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Fairfax location is accessible from Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue) via I-66 and Route 28. We serve Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. For a modify alimony order lawyer Prince William County or to change spousal support lawyer Prince William County, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. Additional costs vary by case complexity.
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?
It depends. 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?
It depends. 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. Filing fee: approximately $86.
Can alimony be modified in Prince William County?
Yes. Alimony modification is available under Va. Code § 20-107.1 when there is a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, retirement, or remarriage. An Alimony Modification Lawyer Prince William County can file a motion at Prince William County Circuit Court to adjust spousal support payments.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.