Contested Divorce Lawyer Manassas, VA

When a spouse refuses to agree to the divorce or disputes the terms — custody, support, or property division — the matter becomes a contested divorce. In Manassas, Virginia, contested divorce cases are filed in the Prince William County Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., practices extensively in this court and throughout the Thirty-first Judicial District. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experience across Virginia’s equitable distribution system, where the court divides marital property based on a set of statutory factors rather than a straight 50/50 split. Contested divorces can involve disputes over child custody, spousal support, and complex assets, and a working knowledge of local court procedure matters. For a consultation about your contested divorce in Manassas, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: July 2026

What Contested Divorce Means in Manassas

A contested divorce in Manassas occurs when the parties cannot agree on one or more of the required issues — the divorce itself, property division, spousal support, child custody, or child support — and the court must resolve those disputes. The Prince William County Circuit Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, has exclusive original jurisdiction over all divorce matters in Manassas and the surrounding areas. Under Virginia law, the court applies equitable distribution principles (Va. Code § 20-107.3) to divide marital property fairly, though not necessarily equally. Fault grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or desertion may be raised and can affect spousal support and property division. Because the court has wide discretion, having an attorney who understands how Manassas judges apply the statutory factors can make a measurable difference in the outcome.

Many contested divorces in Manassas also involve child-related issues. The Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody and support matters, but when those issues are part of a divorce, they are decided by the Circuit Court along with the divorce itself. The court considers the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, weighing ten factors that range from each parent’s relationship with the child to any history of family abuse. Parents who cannot agree on a parenting plan should expect the court to impose one based on the evidence presented. The firm’s familiarity with how these factors are litigated in Manassas allows us to prepare clients for what the court will focus on in a contested proceeding.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Contested Divorce Cases

Contested divorce cases in Manassas typically begin with the filing of a Complaint in the Circuit Court. The respondent is served and has a set time to file an answer. If the parties cannot reach a settlement, the court may schedule a pendente lite hearing to address temporary custody, support, and use of the marital home while the case is pending. Discovery follows, which may include interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and depositions. For cases involving business interests, retirement accounts, or other complex property, we work with forensic accountants and business valuation attorneys to build an accurate picture of the marital estate.

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys approach contested divorce with a methodical strategy: thorough case preparation, clear communication with the client about realistic expectations, and a readiness to try the case if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Virginia does not mandate mediation, but many Manassas judges encourage it, and we often help clients explore negotiation before trial. When trial is necessary, we present the evidence in a way that addresses the specific factors the Circuit Court judge will consider under the equitable distribution and best-interests statutes. Every case is different, and the timeline can range from several months to more than a year depending on the complexity of the issues and the court’s calendar.

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

Mr. Sris is Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he has practiced family law since 1997 and appears regularly in Manassas courts. He 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. That firsthand legislative insight gives him a thorough understanding of how property division works in Virginia’s contested divorces. Alongside Mr. Sris, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experience in litigation, child custody, and complex financial issues, all under one practice.

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to contested divorce cases. Results may vary. The firm handles all aspects of the case, from the initial filing through discovery, settlement negotiations, and trial if necessary. Because the firm’s Fairfax Location serves clients at the Manassas courts, scheduling is streamlined, and we are available by appointment to discuss your case in person or by phone at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a contested divorce take in Manassas, Virginia?

A contested divorce in Manassas routinely takes nine to eighteen months, depending on the complexity of the issues and the court’s calendar. Uncontested divorces with a signed separation agreement can resolve in two to four months, but when custody, support, or property division is disputed, the timeline extends. Discovery, pendente lite hearings, and settlement negotiations each add time. Cases involving business valuation or retirement assets may run longer. To discuss the timeline for your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What are the grounds for a contested divorce in Virginia?

Virginia recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. No-fault grounds require separation: one year if the parties have minor children or six months if there are no minor children and a written separation agreement is in place (Va. Code § 20-91). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and conviction of a felony with imprisonment of one year or more. If you are considering a fault-based divorce, speak with an attorney about how the ground you assert may affect property division and support.

How is property divided in a contested divorce in Virginia?

Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court classifies property as marital, separate, or hybrid and then divides the marital portion fairly based on eleven statutory factors. Those factors include the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the circumstances that led to the divorce. Fault can be considered. The judge has significant discretion, so presenting a well-documented financial picture is essential.

Do I need a lawyer for a contested divorce in Manassas?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but representing yourself in a contested divorce is risky. The procedural rules, evidence requirements, and statutory factors that govern property division, custody, and support are complex. A misstep in discovery or a poorly presented case can result in a less favorable outcome. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does the court decide child custody in a contested divorce in Manassas?

Custody is determined by the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court examines ten factors, including each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, each parent’s willingness to support the other’s relationship with the child, and any history of abuse. In contested cases, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem to represent the child’s interests. A parenting plan that shows a realistic, child-focused schedule tends to carry weight with the judge.

What if my spouse will not participate in the divorce?

If a spouse refuses to sign an agreement or respond to the Complaint, the divorce can still proceed by default. After proper service, the non-responsive spouse’s failure to answer allows the court to grant the divorce based on the evidence you present. The court will still review custody, support, and property division to ensure the orders are fair. For a consultation about your case, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Official resources: Virginia Code Title 20 · Prince William County Circuit Court · Virginia Judicial System

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