Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
In Alexandria, family law cases are heard at Alexandria Circuit Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor) for divorce and equitable distribution, and at Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support matters.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For accurate, up-to-date information on Virginia family law, consult these official government resources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) — official Virginia statute from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Alexandria General District Court website — official court information, forms, and contact details.
Alexandria Family Court Procedures
Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor. Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at Alexandria Circuit Court. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the legal documents to your spouse.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders are needed for support or custody, attend a pendente lite hearing scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to resolve issues without trial.
- Attend final hearing: Present your case at trial before a judge if settlement is not reached. The judge will issue a final decree.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties: no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Alexandria Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + trial costs | Alexandria Circuit |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Business/retirement assets | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced valuation fees | Alexandria Circuit |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Alexandria J&DR |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing our firm with unparalleled insight into complex property division cases. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to family law representation in Alexandria.
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
Case Results in Alexandria
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our Alexandria family law practice focuses on achieving favorable settlements and court outcomes in divorce, custody, and equitable distribution matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. As a family law lawyer near Alexandria, we provide convenient access to experienced legal representation. 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 and mediation.
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 Resources
For more information on family law and related practice areas:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — our state hub page for family law information.
- Arlington County Family Law Lawyer — representation in neighboring Arlington County.
- Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer — criminal defense representation in Alexandria.
- Attorney Bryan Block — learn more about our of counsel attorney.
- Arlington, VA Law Location — information about our Arlington office.
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.