Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases in Alexandria Circuit Court. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or 1-year separation with children. Our Arlington location serves Alexandria clients by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Alexandria Cases
Virginia family law is codified in multiple statutes that apply to Alexandria cases. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes divorce grounds, while § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property. Child custody determinations follow § 20-124.3’s best interests standard, and child support calculations use the guidelines in § 20-108.1. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
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 Chapter 6.1 (Divorce). Alexandria family law cases are filed at the Alexandria General District Court website for initial matters, with divorce and equitable distribution handled by Alexandria Circuit Court.
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.
- File initial pleadings at the Alexandria Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff, private process server, or certified mail.
- Participate in the court’s scheduling conference to establish deadlines for discovery and motions.
- Complete the discovery process including financial disclosures and depositions.
- Attempt settlement negotiation through mediation or settlement conferences.
- Prepare for trial if settlement fails, presenting your case before the Alexandria Circuit Court judge.
Alexandria Family Law Penalties and Requirements
In Alexandria, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fees | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 + service fees | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 + motion fees | Proof of grounds, discovery, possible trial |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | 3-12 months | Varies | Parenting plan, possible Guardian ad Litem |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital property division | 12-24 months complex | Court costs + experts | Financial disclosures, business valuation if needed |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Virginia Family Law Experience
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). With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide, we provide case-specific approaches to Alexandria family law matters. 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
SRIS actively practices in Alexandria — firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes in family law and related matters.
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Alexandria Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. As an Alexandria family law lawyer near the courthouse, we provide convenient access for local clients.
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
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 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 with applicable filing fees and service costs.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, consider our Arlington County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Alexandria, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. 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 specific to your situation.