
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Alexandria, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris), requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support. The key laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors).
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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). Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience.
Official Legal Resources
For the most current Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Alexandria court procedures, refer to the Alexandria General District Court website.
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.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at Alexandria Circuit Court. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the legal documents.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge.
Family Law Penalties and Costs in Alexandria
In Alexandria, family law matters involve court costs, attorney fees, and potential financial obligations rather than criminal penalties. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + $12 service | Attorney fees vary |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing + service | Mediation: $100-$300/hour |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86+ filing | Forensic accountant: $200-$500/hour |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | 3-12 months | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Alexandria Family Law
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to your case. Our founder, Mr. Sris, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving us unique insight into property division law. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
Mr. Sris
Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney
Bar Admissions: Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, New York
Former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. Personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). Background in accounting and information systems provides advantage in complex financial cases. Accepts only a limited number of complex family law matters requiring advanced strategy.
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. Our Alexandria family law experience includes successful divorce settlements, custody agreements, and property division cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Alexandria Family Law Lawyer Near You
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve Arlington County family law clients. In Alexandria, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. 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.