In Alexandria, spousal support (alimony) is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1 using 13 statutory factors; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has firm-wide documented results of 4,739+ cases with over 93% favorable outcomes. An Alimony Lawyer Alexandria can explain how these factors apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Spousal support, also called alimony or spousal maintenance, is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1. Virginia courts consider 13 statutory factors to determine whether to award support, the amount, and the duration. These factors include the duration of the marriage, the financial resources of each party, the standard of living during the marriage, and each party’s earning capacity. A spousal support lawyer Alexandria can help you present evidence on these factors. The court may award temporary (pendente lite) support during the divorce proceedings or permanent support after the final decree. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), demonstrating deep familiarity with Virginia family law statutes.
For the official statute governing spousal support in Virginia, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures in Alexandria, visit the Alexandria General District Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce or a motion for pendente lite spousal support at Alexandria Circuit Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor).
- Complete and file financial disclosure statements (VS-1 and VS-2) with the court at least 21 days before the hearing.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing, typically set within 21-60 days of filing your motion.
- Present evidence on the 13 statutory factors, including income, expenses, and standard of living during the marriage.
- Receive a temporary support order or proceed to final hearing for permanent spousal support determination.
In Alexandria, spousal support (alimony) is determined by the court under Va. Code § 20-107.1, with no fixed penalty but potential for contempt if payments are not made.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay court-ordered spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months (if willful) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Wage garnishment, bank levy, lien on property, suspension of driver’s license (if arrears exceed 90 days) |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that directly impacts spousal support determinations in Virginia. This legislative achievement demonstrates the firm’s deep understanding of Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
SRIS actively practices in Alexandria. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span family law matters including spousal support, equitable distribution, and divorce across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). Distance: Arlington Location serves clients at Alexandria courts. Accessible via Contact office for directions. Serving: Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, Kingstowne.
Alimony lawyer near Alexandria. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 — meetings by appointment only.
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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. Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorces. 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 SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes
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). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Alexandria General District Court.
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). Alexandria Circuit Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320) handles all property division. 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. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes
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. 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