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, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Alexandria court procedures and forms, access the Alexandria General District Court website provided by the Virginia Judicial System.
Alexandria Family Court Procedures
Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor. 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.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Alexandria Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend scheduling conference: Appear at the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, mediation, and trial.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to gather evidence.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare exhibits, witness lists, and trial briefs for the final hearing before a judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Alexandria Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing, discovery, experienced fees | Alexandria Circuit |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | 3-12 months | Filing fees, Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Alexandria J&DR |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis | 12-24 months if complex | Forensic accountant, business valuator fees | Alexandria Circuit |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have 120+ years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing our firm with unique authority in Virginia family law matters. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across our documented case results.
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
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 Alexandria family law practice focuses on achieving favorable settlements and court judgments in divorce, custody, and property division matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We are a family law lawyer near Alexandria, serving Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. Contact us for 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 (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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you’re in a neighboring area, 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.