In Manassas, Virginia, military divorces involve unique protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Va. Code § 20-107.3. An Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer Manassas from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ firm-wide case results. We help service members protect their benefits and rights. Consultation by appointment.
Understanding Military Divorce Law in Manassas
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. For military divorces, the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) allows state courts to divide disposable military retirement pay as marital property. The SCRA provides active-duty service members with procedural protections, including stays of proceedings. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm understands the intersection of federal military law and Virginia family law.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under the USFSPA, a military member divorce lawyer Manassas must address the division of the member’s retirement pay, which is treated as marital property subject to equitable distribution. The SCRA also requires court approval before entering default judgments against active-duty members. A service member dissolution lawyer Manassas must handle both state and federal statutes to protect the member’s interests.
Key legal resources for military divorce in Manassas:
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Equitable Distribution) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Manassas General District Court — official court website
Manassas Circuit Court handles all divorce matters, including military divorces. The court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorces. Military members must provide a statement of service to invoke SCRA protections.
- File a complaint for divorce at Manassas Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230).
- Serve the military member under SCRA requirements (must include statement of service).
- File a motion for pendente lite support and custody if needed.
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Present evidence on equitable distribution of military retirement pay.
- Obtain final decree of divorce with military pension division order.
In Manassas, military divorce involves equitable distribution of marital property, including military retirement pay, with no fixed penalty but significant financial consequences.
| Issue | Classification | Division | Impact | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Military Retirement Pay | Marital Property | Equitable Distribution | Divided under USFSPA | Subject to 10/10 rule for direct payment |
| SCRA Violation | Procedural Error | Stay of Proceedings | Default judgment voidable | Must show material prejudice |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in all Virginia divorces, including military divorces. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
SRIS actively practices in Manassas. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include military divorce cases involving complex pension division and SCRA protections.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 15 miles from Manassas Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 28. If you need an Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer Manassas near the Manassas National Battlefield Park area, we serve all Manassas neighborhoods. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Can a military member get divorced while on active duty in Manassas?
Yes, but the SCRA allows the service member to request a stay of proceedings if active duty materially affects their ability to participate. The court must grant at least a 90-day stay upon application.
How is military retirement pay divided in a Manassas divorce?
It depends. Under the USFSPA, Virginia courts can treat disposable military retirement pay as marital property subject to equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The 10/10 rule applies for direct payments from DFAS.
Does Virginia require separation before a military divorce?
Yes. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault divorce. Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
What is the 10/10 rule for military divorce in Virginia?
It depends. The 10/10 rule requires the service member to have at least 10 years of marriage overlapping with 10 years of military service for the former spouse to receive direct payments from DFAS. Without it, the member pays directly.
Can a military member lose their benefits in a Manassas divorce?
No. Military benefits like TRICARE and commissary privileges are governed by federal law, not state divorce courts. However, the court can divide retirement pay and order child support from the member’s income.
Internal links:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Fairfax County Divorce Lawyer
- Falls Church Divorce Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Manassas
- DUI Lawyer Manassas
- Fairfax Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.