Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria divorce cases are governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters in Alexandria Circuit Court. Our Arlington location serves clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. We handle contested and uncontested divorces, complex property division, and child-related issues.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for 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), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Virginia is not a community property state; it follows equitable distribution principles where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) – Official Virginia family law statutes from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Alexandria General District Court Website – Court information, forms, and procedures from the Virginia court system.
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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- 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 orders are needed, attend a hearing within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents. Complex cases may require business valuation or forensic accounting.
- 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.
Alexandria Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Alexandria, family law matters involve court costs, attorney fees, and potential financial obligations rather than criminal penalties. The process follows Virginia’s equitable distribution and child support guidelines.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + trial costs | Adultery, cruelty, desertion grounds available |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | $86 filing + valuation experts | 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
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 has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
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
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 Circuit Court and Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Family Law Service
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Alexandria courts. We are a family law lawyer near Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. We serve the Alexandria area 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.
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). 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.
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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for Virginia family law.
- Arlington County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in neighboring Arlington County.
- Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense attorney in Alexandria.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.