Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria family law cases are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation with firm-wide experience across 4,739+ documented case results. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or 1-year separation with children, with fault grounds including adultery and cruelty also available.
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 of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on best interests of the child). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
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 Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For Alexandria court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Family Court Procedures
Alexandria Circuit Court at 520 King Street handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your divorce, custody, or support matter. Bring relevant documents.
- Your attorney files the divorce or custody complaint at Alexandria Circuit Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor) with the required $86 filing fee.
- The complaint must be served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100) to initiate the legal process.
- If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange financial documents through discovery. Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to attempt settlement before trial.
- If settlement is not reached, your case proceeds to a final hearing before a judge at Alexandria Circuit Court for resolution.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures in Alexandria
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties, with Virginia being an equitable distribution state where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Alexandria Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + possible trial costs | Alexandria Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Alexandria J&DR Court |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Establishment: 1-3 months | Filing fees + possible arrears | Alexandria J&DR Court |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months if complex | Business valuation: $2,500-$10,000+ | Alexandria Circuit Court |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in Alexandria and throughout Virginia.
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
Alexandria Family Law 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 in family law and other practice areas.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Alexandria Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. As a family law lawyer near Alexandria, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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. 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 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby Arlington County, see our Arlington County Family Law Lawyer page. For other legal needs in Alexandria, consider our Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer or Alexandria DUI/DWI Lawyer services. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.