Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Alexandria, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are defined in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests per Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support considers factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). For Alexandria court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Alexandria General District Court website.
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.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file a complaint for divorce or other relief at the Alexandria Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The complaint is served on the other party, who has 21 days to file an answer. Temporary support or custody motions may be filed if needed.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Trial or Final Hearing: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at Alexandria Circuit Court for a final decision on all issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific legal standards: 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.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault separation or fault grounds | Alexandria Circuit Court | 2-24 months | Separation period requirement |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Alexandria Circuit Court | 6-18 months | 11 statutory factors |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child | Alexandria J&DR Court | 3-12 months | 10 statutory factors |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Alexandria J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Based on combined income |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Alexandria Circuit Court | 3-12 months | Duration and amount variable |
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 legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. 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
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local 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 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. 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Arlington County. If you need other legal services in Alexandria, consider our criminal defense or DUI defense attorneys. Learn more about our legal team.
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.