Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Alexandria, Virginia. Alexandria divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3; the firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division at Alexandria Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Equitable distribution of marital property follows Va. Code § 20-107.3. Child custody decisions use the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support factors are listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). For Alexandria court information, forms, and procedures, see the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Family Law Process
Family law cases in Alexandria are heard at the Alexandria Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and at the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support matters. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary legal documents, such as a divorce complaint or custody petition, with the Alexandria Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information and other relevant documents. Your attorney will negotiate for a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and trial preparation: If settlement is not reached, your attorney will prepare for and represent you at court hearings, including pendente lite motions and, if necessary, a trial.
Family Law Procedures and Potential Outcomes
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific procedures; Virginia is an equitable distribution state, and no-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period.
| Matter | Court / Classification | Typical Timeline | Filing Fees & Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Alexandria Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Alexandria Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fees + potential experienced costs |
| Child Custody Petition | Alexandria J&DR Court | Varies | Filing fees + possible Guardian ad Litem |
| Child Support Establishment | Alexandria J&DR Court | Several months | Filing fees |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep involvement with Virginia law provides a significant advantage in complex property division cases.
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
Documented Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. The firm actively represents clients in Alexandria family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We are a family law lawyer near Alexandria and the Old Town area. We serve Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Alexandria, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Alexandria, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Alexandria, Virginia?
Custody in Alexandria is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Alexandria J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Alexandria Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Alexandria Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Arlington County. In Alexandria, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.