Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria Circuit Court at 520 King Street handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support, while Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court addresses standalone custody and child support matters.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly based on 11 factors outlined in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend. Other key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests).
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Alexandria court information, see the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Family Court Procedures
Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 520 King Street. Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court addresses 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 family law matter, review documents, and develop a strategy.
- File the necessary petition (divorce, custody, support) at Alexandria Circuit Court or Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court with proper fees.
- Exchange financial disclosures, participate in mediation if ordered, and negotiate a settlement agreement on property, support, and custody.
- Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and, if necessary, a final hearing before a judge to resolve contested issues.
Family Law Penalties and Requirements
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific requirements: no-fault divorce after 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 | Filing Fee | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86+ | Separation agreement, corroborating witness |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ plus motion fees | Discovery, possible trial |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Varies | Guardian ad litem possible ($500-$2,500+) |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis | 12-24 months if complex | Court costs plus experienced fees | Forensic accountant for business valuation |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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. Mr. Sris personally helped amend Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division law. Our tagline reflects our approach: “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
Case Experience
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 courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Representation
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Arlington County family law. In Alexandria, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.