Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full family law representation in Alexandria, Virginia, where divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution by Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. You need a 6-month or 1-year separation for a no-fault divorce in Alexandria.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Alexandria
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or a 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 full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms in Alexandria, visit the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Family Court Process
Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Alexandria Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a judge at the Alexandria Circuit Court.
Alexandria Divorce Penalties and Outcomes
In Alexandria, divorce resolves marital status and divides assets under equitable distribution; fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period, while no-fault requires a separation period.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, division of marital property | Varies by asset value and contributions | 11 statutory factors considered |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support orders | Based on need and ability to pay | Duration varies by marriage length |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Joint or sole legal/physical custody | Parenting time schedule | 10 factors evaluated by court |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly support obligation | Calculated from combined gross income | Health insurance, childcare costs added |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials in Alexandria Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. This background in accounting and information systems provides an advantage in complex financial cases involving business valuation or retirement assets.
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 Family Law
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.
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. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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. Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorces.
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.
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 on family law across Virginia, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, you may need an Arlington County divorce and family law lawyer. For other legal issues in Alexandria, consider our Alexandria criminal defense lawyer or Alexandria DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about your attorney on the Bryan Block attorney profile.
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.