Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support. 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 Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into this complex area of law.
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 Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). 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. 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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and legal options. Gather relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint for divorce, custody, or support at Alexandria Circuit Court (520 King Street). Pay the filing fee (approximately $86) and arrange for service of process.
- Discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information. Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders (pendente lite). If settlement is not reached, prepare for trial where a judge will decide contested issues based on Virginia law.
Family Law Outcomes and Considerations
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific legal standards and potential outcomes based on Virginia statutes and court discretion.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcomes | Court Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair division based on 11 factors, not necessarily equal | Alexandria Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Joint or sole custody based on 10 factors | Alexandria J&DR Court or Circuit Court |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly payment based on combined income and custody arrangement | Alexandria J&DR Court |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support based on need and ability to pay | Alexandria Circuit Court |
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault or Fault (Va. Code § 20-91) | 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault; immediate for adultery | Alexandria Circuit Court |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Our Firm’s Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm unique insight into complex property division cases. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across our documented case results.
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
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 and mediation.
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.
Case Results
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 and understand the local court procedures and judges.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
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.
Related Legal Services
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia family law hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, consider our Arlington County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Alexandria, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.