In Alexandria, Virginia family law matters including divorce, custody, and support are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) — official Virginia General Assembly
Virginia family law operates under the equitable distribution standard, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved, or 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, evaluating 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent.
Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) — official Virginia General Assembly | Alexandria General District Court — official court website
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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- File a complaint for divorce or custody at Alexandria Circuit Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor).
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody orders (21-60 days after filing).
- Complete discovery, including financial affidavits and asset documentation.
- Attend mediation or negotiate a settlement agreement.
- Final hearing or submission of uncontested divorce paperwork for final decree.
In Alexandria, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and spousal support calculations under state guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation (no minor children) | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Sheriff service ~$12; private process server $50-$100 | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+; mediation $100-$300/hour | Equitable distribution of assets |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | 3-12 months | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | Parental role, child relationship, abuse history |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | 2-6 months | ~$86 | Income verification costs | Both parents’ income, custody time |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | 3-12 months | ~$86 | Financial experienced fees if needed | Duration of marriage, earning capacity |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This amendment represents a significant contribution to Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel. Bar admissions: Virginia; Florida. J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005; Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017. 18+ years of experience. Ms. Powers handles family law matters in Virginia and Florida.
SRIS actively practices in Alexandria — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Alexandria City, SRIS has obtained nolle prosequi dispositions in assault cases at Alexandria General District Court, resulting in no fines for clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for directions and appointment scheduling. Free parking at our location.
Family law lawyer near Alexandria, Virginia — serving Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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.
How long does a divorce take in Alexandria, Virginia?
It depends. 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: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Alexandria, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs may include financial experts for complex asset division.
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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.