Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria family law cases involve divorce, custody, and property division under Virginia’s equitable distribution system (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation in Alexandria, with firm-wide experience across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. Our Arlington location serves Alexandria clients by appointment.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, and desertion.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes divorce grounds, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided fairly (not necessarily 50/50) using 11 factors. Child custody decisions follow the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, while child support is calculated using statewide guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
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, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Alexandria court procedures, forms, and contact information, refer to the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Family 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 Filing: File a divorce complaint at Alexandria Circuit Court with the $86 filing fee. Serve the other party.
- Temporary Orders: If needed, file a pendente lite motion for temporary support or custody. Hearings are typically set within 21-60 days.
- Discovery: Exchange financial disclosures. In complex cases, use forensic accountants for business valuation.
- Negotiation/Settlement: Attempt to reach a property settlement agreement covering all issues.
- Final Hearing: Attend an uncontested hearing if settled, or proceed to trial before a judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property, child support guidelines based on income, and the “best interests of the child” standard for custody.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Court Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 statutory factors | 12-24 months if complex | Business valuation: $3,000-$10,000+ |
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 attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating direct impact on state family law. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to Alexandria family law cases.
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 at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Alexandria courts. We represent clients in 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 are 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; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Services
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. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.