Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases in Alexandria Circuit Court. Our Arlington location serves clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Alexandria
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) under Va. Code § 20-91. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Alexandria court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Family Court Process
Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 520 King Street. 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.
- File initial pleadings (complaint for divorce, custody, or support) at the Alexandria Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, motions, and trial dates.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange, interrogatories, and depositions as ordered.
- Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to resolve issues without a trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge in Alexandria Circuit Court.
Alexandria Family Law Procedures & Potential Outcomes
In Alexandria, family law cases involve specific procedures and considerations rather than penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property division and statutory guidelines for child support based on combined gross income.
| Matter | Governing Law | Typical Timeline | Court Costs | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Va. Code § 20-91 | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | 6-month/1-year separation required |
| Contested Divorce | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | $86+ filing + discovery costs | Equitable distribution applies |
| Child Custody | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | 3-12 months | Filing fees + GAL ($500-$2,500+) | Best interests of child standard |
| Child Support | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | 1-3 months | Filing fees | Based on combined gross income |
| Spousal Support | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | 3-9 months | Filing fees + possible evaluation | 13 statutory factors considered |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials & Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law.
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 Experience
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 practices in Alexandria, representing clients in divorce, custody, and support matters before Alexandria Circuit Court and J&DR Court.
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 an Alexandria family law lawyer near the courthouse, we understand local procedures and judicial preferences.
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). 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.
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.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Arlington County Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile | Arlington Location
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.