Need an Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer in Manassas, VA?
You are stationed at Fort Belvoir, Quantico, or perhaps the Pentagon, and your military marriage is unraveling. Between deployments, PCS moves, and the unique demands of service life, the divorce process can feel overwhelming. You need a family law attorney who understands Virginia’s equitable distribution rules, the division of military pensions under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act, and how the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may affect your case timeline. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent service members and military spouses in Prince William County, Manassas City, and throughout Northern Virginia. Reach us at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
How We Approach Your Armed Forces Divorce
Every military divorce carries both standard Virginia family law components and federal protections that can alter the course of proceedings. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel take a practical, case‑specific approach: first, we identify whether the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act entitles you to a stay of proceedings. Then we map out the property classification — military retired pay is marital property subject to division under Va. Code § 20‑107.3, along with TSP accounts, SGLI, and survivor benefits. Our team works to structure a separation agreement that addresses custody, visitation, support, and pension division while acknowledging your deployment schedule and career demands.
Because Manassas family law matters are filed in the Prince William County Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, we prepare all pleadings in proper Virginia form and handle the procedural details — from filing the complaint to obtaining the final decree. We also coordinate with military legal assistance offices when appropriate, ensuring your divorce proceeds without interfering with your service obligations.
What to Expect When You File
The divorce process in Virginia begins with filing a complaint in the Circuit Court. For an uncontested armed forces divorce, the couple must have been separated for the required period — either six months with a signed separation agreement and no minor children, or one year otherwise. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can negotiate a comprehensive marital settlement agreement that resolves all issues, including equitable distribution of the military pension, spousal support, child custody, and child support. When an agreement is reached, the court typically schedules an uncontested hearing, where one party and a corroborating witness appear to present testimony.
If the divorce is contested — because the parties cannot agree on custody, support, or property division — the timeline extends, and the case proceeds through discovery, pendente lite hearings, and possibly trial. Our team’s experience in Virginia circuit courts helps you anticipate each stage, and we keep you informed about court scheduling and any procedural protections available under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
Family Law Issues Unique to Military Families
Military divorces often involve complexities civilian couples rarely face. The division of military retired pay is governed by both state law and the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act, which sets limits on what a state court may order. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel understand these boundaries and work to achieve a fair distribution of all marital assets, including military benefits, thrift savings plans, and survivor benefit plans. Child custody and visitation plans must accommodate deployments, TDY assignments, and PCS relocations; we draft parenting agreements that are both practical and enforceable under Virginia law. Additionally, we handle the establishment and modification of child support in compliance with Virginia’s guidelines, ensuring that service members’ allowances and special pays are properly accounted for.
If domestic violence or protective orders are involved, the Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court has concurrent jurisdiction over custody and support matters. We guide clients through that process and can coordinate with the military’s Family Advocacy Program when necessary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor with extensive trial experience, Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He concentrates his practice on complex family law matters, including high‑asset equitable distribution and military divorce. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does military retired pay get divided in a Virginia divorce?
Military retired pay is considered marital property to the extent it was earned during the marriage, and Virginia courts divide it under the equitable distribution statute. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act allows a state court to award a portion of disposable retired pay to the former spouse if the marriage overlapped the service member’s creditable service by at least ten years. Our attorneys structure separation agreements or litigate to achieve an equitable division that accounts for all retirement benefits.
Can I get a divorce while deployed?
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may allow you to stay (postpone) court proceedings while you are on active duty if your military duties materially affect your ability to participate. However, you can still proceed with a divorce if you wish. We can file the complaint, handle discovery, and appear in court on your behalf under certain circumstances. It is important to speak with an attorney before initiating a divorce while deployed to ensure your rights are protected.
What if my spouse and I are stationed in different states?
Virginia can assert jurisdiction over a divorce if one spouse meets the six‑month residency and domicile requirement. If the service member is a Virginia domiciliary but stationed elsewhere, Virginia may still be the proper forum. We evaluate your situation to confirm that Manassas or Prince William County is the appropriate venue and coordinate with out‑of‑state counsel when necessary.
Does Virginia require a separation period before I can file for divorce?
Yes. If you have no minor children and have signed a separation agreement, the separation period is six months. Otherwise, the statutory separation period is one year. During the separation, you must live separate and apart, though living under the same roof in separate lives may qualify in some cases. We can help you craft a separation agreement that satisfies the residency requirements and protects your interests during the waiting period.
Who gets custody of the children when a military parent deploys?
Virginia courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. A parent’s deployment is one factor, but it does not automatically result in a loss of custody. Virginia law allows a deployed parent to delegate certain parental powers to a family member or another person during the deployment, and a temporary custody order can be put in place. We work with military parents to create parenting plans that address deployments and reunification, reducing conflict and uncertainty.
Will my BAH or BAS be counted as income for child support?
Yes, Virginia child support guidelines consider the combined gross income of both parents, including all earnings and allowances such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS). We accurately calculate support obligations using the statutory formula, ensuring that all military compensation is properly accounted for.
Speak with a Military Divorce Attorney in Manassas
If you are a service member or military spouse in the Manassas area, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your divorce, custody, or support matter. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team serve clients throughout Prince William County, Manassas City, and Manassas Park from the firm’s Fairfax Location. Appointments are available by telephone and in person; evening and weekend times can be arranged.
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