In Alexandria, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. An Alexandria family law attorney can guide you through no-fault or fault-based divorce proceedings.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code § 20-91
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning 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). No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorces, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters.
Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) — divorce grounds and separation requirements.
Alexandria General District Court — official court website for the 18th Judicial District.
Alexandria Circuit Court 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. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File a divorce complaint at Alexandria Circuit Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor). Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation (optional, $100-$300/hour per party) or proceed to trial.
- Obtain final decree of divorce after meeting separation requirements.
In Alexandria, Virginia, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs and attorney fees. Equitable distribution divides marital property fairly.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees | No criminal record | Separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | No criminal record | Equitable distribution, custody, support determined by court |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | No-fault | 12-24 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees + business valuation ($2,000-$10,000+) | No criminal record | Forensic accountant may be required |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, providing unique insight into Virginia family law. The firm serves clients across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
SRIS actively practices in Alexandria — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Alexandria General District Court, SRIS has obtained nolle prosequi dispositions in assault cases under Virginia 18.2-57.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). The Arlington location is accessible via major highways. We serve Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, Kingstowne.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
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. 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?
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. Attorney fees vary.
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. 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.
Virginia Divorce & Family Law Lawyer — hub page for Virginia family law.
Arlington Divorce & Family Law Lawyer — sibling locality page.
Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer — related practice area in same locality.
Alexandria DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area in same locality.
Arlington Location — our office serving Alexandria.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.