Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Alexandria, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris), requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and support obligations. The key 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).
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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). Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience handling complex family law matters.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For Alexandria court information, procedures, and forms, refer to 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, 2nd Floor. Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at Alexandria Circuit Court. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the complaint and summons to your spouse.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to identify all marital assets and liabilities.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Negotiate a property settlement agreement or attend mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to resolve issues without trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge at Alexandria Circuit Court for final determination.
Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific legal standards: 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.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month/1-year separation + agreement | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution applies | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies by complexity | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Establish at filing | Court costs + possible modification fees |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Pendente lite hearing in 21-60 days | Motion fees + possible experienced costs |
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 and combines over 120 years of attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
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 achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys have successfully handled complex equitable distribution cases, high-conflict custody disputes, and contested divorces in Alexandria courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Family Law Services
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 provide 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 ($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 Services
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve clients in Arlington County. If you need other legal services in Alexandria, consider our criminal defense attorney or DUI/DWI lawyer. 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.