In Alexandria, Virginia, divorce is governed by equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. You need a Post Divorce Modification Lawyer Alexandria who understands local court procedures at the Alexandria Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. For a Post Divorce Modification Lawyer Alexandria, understanding these factors is critical when seeking to modify a final decree.
To modify final decree lawyer Alexandria clients need to show a material change in circumstances since the original order. This applies to spousal support, child support, and custody arrangements. The Alexandria Circuit Court at 520 King Street handles all modification requests.
If you need to change divorce judgment lawyer Alexandria, you must file a motion in the same court that issued the original decree. The court reviews changes in income, health, or living situations that justify modifying the existing order.
- File a complaint for divorce or modification at Alexandria Circuit Court, 520 King Street, 2nd Floor.
- Serve the other party with the filed complaint and summons through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend pendente lite hearing (within 21-60 days) for temporary support and custody orders.
- Complete financial disclosure affidavits and exchange all relevant financial documents.
- Attend mediation (if ordered) or proceed to final hearing for contested matters.
- Receive final decree of divorce or modification order from the judge.
In Alexandria, Virginia, divorce carries a range of outcomes from uncontested finalization in 2-4 months to contested trials lasting 12-24 months.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Divorce (no children) | No classification | None | $86 filing fee | None | 6-month separation required |
| No-Fault Divorce (with children) | No classification | None | $86 filing fee | None | 1-year separation required |
| Fault Divorce (adultery) | No classification | None | $86 filing fee | None | No waiting period; must prove adultery |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law. VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Samantha Powers handles all Virginia family law matters including divorce, custody, and support modifications.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). Combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Arlington location is near the Alexandria courts at 520 King Street, accessible via I-395 and Route 1. We serve Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. A Post Divorce Modification Lawyer Alexandria is available for consultation.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Can I modify my divorce decree in Alexandria, Virginia?
Yes. You can modify spousal support, child support, and custody orders if you show a material change in circumstances since the original decree. File a motion at Alexandria Circuit Court. The court reviews changes in income, health, or living situations. A Post Divorce Modification Lawyer Alexandria can help prepare your case.
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). Alexandria Circuit Court 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.
Internal links: Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Arlington Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer