Service Member Divorce Lawyer Manassas Park, VA

Last reviewed: July 2026 Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

You are a service member stationed at Fort Belvoir, and you have decided to file for divorce. You live in Manassas Park, Virginia, and need a lawyer who understands both military life and Virginia family law. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle service member divorce cases in Manassas Park, guiding clients through property division, custody, and support issues while protecting their rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

Strategy Options for a Service Member Divorce

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate each military divorce from every angle. The firm examines whether the marriage can be dissolved on no-fault grounds—after a six-month separation with a signed agreement, or one year without—or whether fault grounds such as adultery or cruelty apply. For a service member, the SCRA allows a stay of proceedings if military duties materially affect the ability to participate, and the firm pursues that protection when appropriate. The team also analyzes how the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) controls the division of military retired pay. Where both parties agree on all issues, the firm works toward an uncontested divorce. Where disagreements exist over custody, support, or property, the matter proceeds as a contested case in the Manassas Park Circuit Court. Regardless of which path fits, the firm’s goal is a resolution that respects the service member’s obligations and the family’s needs.

What to Expect in a Manassas Park Service Member Divorce

Divorce cases involving military personnel proceed in the Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. The process begins with filing a complaint and serving the other spouse. A service member can sometimes request a temporary stay under the SCRA while deployed or assigned overseas, giving the court time to ensure both parties have a fair opportunity to present their side. Discovery exchanges—financial disclosures, appraisals, and retirement account valuations—follow. For military retirement, a court order dividing the pension must comply with the USFSPA and typically requires a separate domestic relations order submitted to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. The court may also enter temporary orders for custody, support, and use of the marital home while the case is pending. If the parties reach a settlement, an uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement can proceed to a final decree relatively quickly after the mandatory separation period is met. A contested divorce with custody or property disputes may take longer, depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the marital estate.

Potential Consequences in a Virginia Military Divorce

Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court considers eleven factors including the length of the marriage, contributions of each spouse, and the circumstances that led to the divorce. The marital share of military retired pay is treated as divisible property under the USFSPA, though the actual percentage awarded depends on the facts. Separate property—assets owned before the marriage, gifts, or inheritances—remains with the original owner. Child custody determinations follow the trusted-interests-of-the-child standard set out in Va. Code § 20-124.3, which lists ten factors. Child support is calculated using the Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support, if awarded, is guided by thirteen statutory factors. Because servicemembers may face deployment or permanent change of station, the court may craft visitation schedules that account for military duties. The firm works to achieve an outcome that protects the service member’s career, financial stability, and relationship with children, while recognizing that results vary based on the specific facts of each case.

Attorney Credentials for Service Member Divorce Representation

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced family law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a bill that revised the equitable-distribution statute. His Of Counsel team brings extensive combined legal experience and includes attorneys with deep familiarity with the local courts of Prince William County and the surrounding area. The firm’s Fairfax location, at 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032, serves clients throughout Manassas Park and the entire 31st Judicial District.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a military divorce differ from a civilian divorce in Virginia?

A military divorce in Virginia follows the same state laws as a civilian divorce, but federal protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) can delay proceedings if the service member’s duties materially affect the case. The SCRA allows a court to stay the action for at least 90 days upon request, and the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act governs how military retired pay may be divided. The Manassas Park Circuit Court handles all divorce and property issues regardless of the service member’s home of record.

Can I get a divorce in Manassas Park while stationed out of state?

Yes, as long as you or your spouse meets Virginia’s six-month residency requirement under Va. Code § 20-97. If you are a service member stationed elsewhere but maintain Virginia as your domicile, you may still file in the Circuit Court. The firm can help you document your residency and potentially request a stay or arrange telephonic appearances if military duties prevent you from coming to court.

How is my military retirement divided in a Virginia divorce?

Military retired pay can be divided as marital property under the USFSPA, but only the portion earned during the marriage is subject to division. Virginia courts use the “coverture fraction”—the months of marriage overlapping military service divided by total months of service—to determine the marital share. A separate domestic relations order must be submitted to DFAS. The actual percentage awarded to a former spouse is not automatic; the court weighs all equitable distribution factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3.

What if my spouse does not want to get divorced and I am deployed?

Virginia allows a divorce even if one spouse contests it, provided you meet the grounds for divorce. If you are deployed, the SCRA may allow a stay of proceedings until you can participate. Your attorney can also request that the court proceed in your absence if appropriate. The firm handles the logistics of service of process and court appearances to minimize the burden on a deployed service member.

Will I have to attend court hearings in person for my Manassas Park divorce?

For an uncontested divorce, a brief final hearing—often handled with your attorney and a corroborating witness—may be sufficient, and in some cases you may not need to appear personally. For contested matters, you generally need to be present for contested hearings unless the court permits participation by telephone or video. The firm discusses your situation and seeks accommodations when military duties conflict with court dates.

How does deployment affect child custody and visitation in Virginia?

Deployment alone cannot be the sole basis for a permanent custody change under Virginia law, but temporary orders can be entered to address the situation. The court considers the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and a parent’s military service is taken into account. The firm can help you negotiate a parenting plan that includes provisions for deployment, communication with the child, and reunification after return.

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