Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Alexandria Cases
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), § 20-124.2 (custody based on best interests of the child), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Alexandria court 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. 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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and legal options. Bring relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files the appropriate documents (divorce complaint, custody petition, etc.) at Alexandria Circuit Court or Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, paying the required filing fees.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both parties exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property division, support, and custody matters.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend scheduled court hearings for temporary orders, mediation, or trial. The court issues final orders on all contested issues, concluding the case.
Alexandria Family Law Penalties and Requirements
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific requirements rather than penalties: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Matter | Legal Classification | Timeline | Filing Fees | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 + service fees | 6-month/1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | ~$86 + additional costs | Court hearing required |
| Child Custody Petition | Best interests standard | Varies | ~$86 | Filed in J&DR Court |
| Child Support Establishment | Guidelines calculation | 1-3 months | ~$86 | Income documentation |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating direct involvement in shaping Virginia family 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
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. Our attorneys actively practice in Alexandria courts, handling divorce, custody, support, and property division matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Representation in Alexandria
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 (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. We also serve neighboring areas including Arlington County family law. In Alexandria, we handle other legal matters such as criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys and our Arlington location.
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.