Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
In Alexandria, Virginia, divorce and family law matters are governed by statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for Alexandria residents facing divorce, child custody, and property division. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce, and the court divides marital property fairly under equitable distribution principles.
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, which establishes grounds for divorce, and Va. Code § 20-107.3, which governs the equitable distribution of marital property. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law. The firm was founded in 1997.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on law.lis.virginia.gov. For Alexandria court information, see the Alexandria General District Court website via vacourts.gov.
Alexandria Family Law Court Process
Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 520 King Street. The 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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific Alexandria court procedures.
- Document gathering and financial disclosure: Collect all relevant financial documents, asset records, and any existing agreements. Virginia requires full financial disclosure in divorce cases.
- Filing the complaint at Alexandria Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint with the Alexandria Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Negotiation, mediation, or discovery: Engage in settlement discussions, attend mediation if ordered, or proceed with formal discovery to exchange information with the other party.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend any pendente lite hearings for temporary orders, and either reach a settlement agreement or proceed to trial before a judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Alexandria
In Alexandria, family law involves specific procedures and costs rather than criminal penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Classification | Typical Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + discovery/motion costs | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-asset divorce | 12-24 months | Filing fees + experienced fees (valuators) | Business valuation, retirement assets |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Best interests of child | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Handled in J&DR Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm’s tagline is “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
Documented 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. The firm actively practices in Alexandria.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Family Law Service
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We are a family law lawyer near Alexandria and the Old Town area. We serve Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. 24/7 phone consultations — (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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub | Arlington County Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile | Arlington Location Page
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.