Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
In Alexandria, divorce and 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 with firm-wide experience across Virginia. Our Arlington location serves Alexandria clients by appointment only.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or a 1-year separation if children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Alexandria
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on best interests of the child), 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.
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 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Alexandria court information, procedures, and forms, 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. The Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce, custody, or support complaint 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 the pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend the scheduled hearing within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a judge at the Alexandria Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Financial Impact | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | Court fees: ~$86+ | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | Court fees + attorney costs | Discovery, hearings, possible trial |
| Child Support | Guideline-based | Establishment: 1-3 months | Monthly payments based on income | Virginia guidelines calculator used |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies by complexity | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 10 statutory factors considered |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital property division | 12-24 months if complex | Valuation costs for assets | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline reflects our approach: “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 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. Our attorneys actively practice in Alexandria courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Family Law Service
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts. We are a family law lawyer near Alexandria, serving the Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne communities. Consultations are available by appointment only at our Arlington location.
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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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 Services
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, see our Arlington County Family Law Lawyer page. For other legal needs in Alexandria, consider Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer or Alexandria DUI/DWI Lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.