Service Member Divorce Lawyer Manassas, VA

You are an active-duty service member stationed near Manassas, Virginia, and your marriage is ending. The demands of military life—deployments, temporary duty assignments, and relocations—have strained your relationship to the breaking point. Now you need a divorce, but you worry about how the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may affect the proceedings, what will happen with custody while you are deployed, and how your military pension will be divided. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys concentrate their practice on family law matters involving service members. We understand the unique legal and practical challenges you face. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

How We Approach Service Member Divorce Cases

Every military divorce requires a practical strategy that accounts for both Virginia family law and federal protections. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work closely with Mr. Sris to evaluate jurisdiction, grounds for divorce, and the impact of your military status on every issue. We begin by confirming that Virginia is the proper forum; at least one spouse must have been a resident and domiciliary of the Commonwealth for six months before filing. For service members who are deployed or stationed elsewhere, we determine whether the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allows a stay of the proceeding so that you are not forced to litigate while your duty prevents meaningful participation. If a stay is in your best interest, we request it promptly.

We also handle the division of military retirement pay under Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Because the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act permits state courts to treat disposable military retired pay as marital property, we work to ensure any award is properly structured and enforceable against the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. For child custody and visitation, we help create parenting plans that accommodate deployment cycles, leave periods, and potential relocations. Every step of the way, we focus on protecting your parental rights and your financial future.

What to Expect When You File

A divorce involving a service member in Manassas proceeds in much the same way as any other Virginia divorce, with a few important differences. The action is filed as a Complaint in the Circuit Court for the City of Manassas, which holds proceedings at the shared courthouse at 9311 Lee Avenue. Matters of temporary custody, child support, and protective orders may be heard in the Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, but the divorce itself and all equitable distribution issues are decided by the Circuit Court.

If you and your spouse agree on all issues—grounds, property division, custody, and support—you may proceed with an uncontested divorce. Virginia law requires a period of separation before a no-fault divorce: six months if no minor children are born of the marriage and a written separation agreement resolves all issues, or one year otherwise. Fault grounds, such as adultery, cruelty, or desertion, do not require a separation period, but they must be proved with clear and convincing evidence. The court issues a final decree of divorce after a hearing. Throughout the process, we remain in communication with you, even if you are deployed, and we can often attend hearings on your behalf when your presence is not required.

Issues at Stake: Custody, Support, and Military Benefits

For service members, divorce raises concerns that civilians rarely encounter. Custody and visitation orders must work with military obligations. Virginia judges apply the trusted-interests-of-the-child factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3, but they also must consider deployment as a temporary circumstance that should not permanently disrupt a parent’s relationship with a child. We advocate for parenting plans that keep you actively involved in your child’s life through virtual visitation, generous leave-period access, and a clear right to modify the schedule when military orders change.

Child support is calculated under Virginia guidelines based on the combined gross income of both parents. For service members, income includes basic pay, allowances, and special duty pay. We make certain the court has a complete and accurate picture of your military compensation so that any support order is fair. Spousal support, or alimony, is determined using the thirteen factors listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Finally, the division of your military pension must be handled correctly; the non-member spouse may receive a share of the marital portion of the pension, and we work with qualified domestic relations order preparers to submit an order that DFAS will accept without delay.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he concentrates his practice on complex family law matters, including service member divorces. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), which revised the equitable distribution statute. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional depth in family law and domestic relations, contributing experience that strengthens every case the firm handles. Our Fairfax location serves Manassas clients. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys and Mr. Sris bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act affect my divorce in Manassas?

The SCRA allows a service member to request a stay of court proceedings if military duty materially affects the ability to participate in the case. The stay can give you time to complete a deployment or training before being required to respond to a complaint or attend hearings. The court may grant an initial stay of at least 90 days, and it can be extended upon a showing of continued material effect. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate whether requesting a stay is in your best interest and handle the procedural steps on your behalf. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can I file for divorce while I am deployed?

Yes, you can initiate a divorce while deployed, although practical challenges exist. Virginia courts recognize that deployment is a temporary condition; your attorney can file the complaint and handle most procedural matters without your physical presence. You may be deposed remotely or testify by video, and your spouse’s cooperation may speed the process. We work to keep the divorce moving forward while respecting your duty requirements. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

How is a military pension divided in a Virginia divorce?

Virginia treats the marital share of a military pension as property subject to equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court determines what portion of the pension was earned during the marriage and may award a percentage to the non-member spouse. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act allows state courts to divide disposable retired pay, and direct payment from DFAS is available when the order is properly prepared. Our firm coordinates with experienced attorneys to draft enforceable orders. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What happens to child custody when a parent is in the military?

A parent’s military service does not, by itself, disqualify that parent from obtaining custody or meaningful visitation. Virginia courts consider deployment a temporary absence and may not permanently alter custody based solely on military obligations. We help create parenting plans that include electronic communication, extended visitation during leave, and a process for modifying the plan when orders change. For a full statutory breakdown, see our comprehensive analysis at srislawyer.com. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Do I need a lawyer for a service member divorce in Manassas?

Virginia law does not require you to hire an attorney, but the intersection of federal military law and state family law makes self-representation risky. Mistakes in the division of a pension, the structure of a parenting plan, or the application of the SCRA can have long-lasting consequences. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experience in both Virginia family law and the unique military aspects of divorce. For a consultation, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.

How do I get started with a service member divorce consultation in Manassas?

Call (888) 437-7747 or use our website contact form to request a consultation. During your initial discussion, we will listen to the facts of your situation—including your duty station, deployment schedule, and the issues in dispute—and explain how Virginia law applies. We will then outline your options and the next steps. Our Fairfax location serves Manassas clients, and we accommodate service members’ schedules.

Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer  | 
Prince William County Family Law Lawyer  | 
Manassas Park Family Law Lawyer  | 
Falls Church Family Law Lawyer

Primary sources: Virginia Circuit Courts  | 
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Overview (U.S. Department of Justice)

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