Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and support obligations. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For authoritative information on Virginia family law, consult these government resources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Complete divorce statute
- Alexandria General District Court website – Court procedures and forms
Alexandria Family Court Procedures
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.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint with the Alexandria Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court Proceedings: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to pendente lite hearings for temporary orders, then to trial for final resolution before a judge.
Family Law Penalties and Requirements
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific requirements rather than penalties: Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with children, with equitable distribution of marital property under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | Court costs + attorney fees |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Ongoing until emancipation | Guideline calculation |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months if complex | Valuation experts + legal fees |
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 unique authority in property division matters.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes in family law and other practice areas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Alexandria
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
Family law lawyer near Alexandria courts and surrounding communities.
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. 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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for Virginia family law information.
Arlington County Family Law Lawyer – Family law representation in neighboring Arlington County.
Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense representation in Alexandria.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our of counsel attorney.
Arlington, VA Law Location – Information about our Arlington office location.
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.