Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
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), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), 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 Legal 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 information, procedures, and forms, 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. 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 the initial divorce complaint with the Alexandria Circuit Court clerk’s office. The filing fee is approximately $86.
- Have the complaint and summons served by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process, which may include depositions and interrogatories.
- Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to resolve issues without a trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge at Alexandria Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Alexandria, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce after 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 | Court | Typical Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after separation; fault grounds available | Alexandria Circuit Court | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-18 months (contested) | Filing: ~$86; Service: $12-$100 |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Alexandria Circuit Court | 12-24 months for complex cases | Valuation experts: $2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Alexandria J&DR Court or Circuit Court | 3-9 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Alexandria J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Minimal court costs |
| Spousal Support | 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Alexandria Circuit Court | Determined at final hearing | Included in divorce costs |
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 and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline: “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
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Representation
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). 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 Resources
For more information on Virginia family law, 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 current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.