Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria divorce and 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 with firm-wide experience across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. Our Arlington location serves Alexandria clients by appointment only.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Alexandria
Family law in Alexandria, Virginia operates under specific state codes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods (6 months without minor children and a signed agreement, or 1 year with minor children) and fault grounds like adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property, considering factors like each spouse’s contributions, the duration of the marriage, and the economic circumstances of each party. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended this statute. Child support is calculated using statewide guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1, based on the parents’ combined gross income and the number of children. Custody determinations follow the child’s best interests standard outlined in Va. Code § 20-124.3.
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 (law.lis.virginia.gov). For Alexandria court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Alexandria General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Alexandria Family Court Process
Alexandria Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. 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. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at Alexandria Circuit Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor). Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders are needed for support or custody, file a motion. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, complete interrogatories, and conduct depositions. In complex cases, hire forensic accountants for business valuation.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare exhibits, witness lists, and trial briefs. Alexandria Circuit Court trials are scheduled based on court availability.
- Obtain final order: After trial or settlement, submit proposed final orders for the judge’s signature. The decree becomes effective upon entry.
Potential Outcomes in Alexandria Family Law Cases
In Alexandria, family law outcomes vary based on case specifics. Virginia law provides frameworks for property division, support, and custody but does not aim for specific results.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Potential Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault separation | 2-4 months | Court fees ($86+) |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | 9-18 months | Court costs, attorney fees, experienced fees |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Varies | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Support | State guidelines | Establishment at filing | Court fees |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Determined at hearing/trial | Court costs, attorney fees |
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 brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our approach is case-specific, built on direct legal experience rather than generic advice.
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 handle family law matters in Alexandria and throughout Northern Virginia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Family Law Service
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts. We represent individuals in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. For a family law lawyer near Alexandria, contact us for a consultation by appointment only.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location
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). 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.
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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.