Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Alexandria
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), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Virginia is not a community property state—marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
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 (official Virginia General Assembly). Alexandria family law cases are heard at the Alexandria General District Court website for certain matters, with divorce and equitable distribution handled at Alexandria Circuit Court.
Alexandria Family Court Procedures
Alexandria Circuit Court at 520 King Street handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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 a divorce complaint with the Alexandria Circuit Court clerk’s office. Pay the filing fee of approximately $86.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse 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 interrogatories and depositions.
- Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without a trial. Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge at Alexandria Circuit Court, 520 King Street, 2nd Floor.
Alexandria Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Alexandria, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties: divorce filing fees start at approximately $86, with additional costs for service of process, pendente lite motions, Guardian ad Litem appointments ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Alexandria Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Alexandria Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fees + discovery costs + possible experienced fees |
| Child Custody | Alexandria J&DR Court | 3-9 months | Possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Equitable Distribution | Alexandria Circuit Court | 12-24 months if complex | Forensic accountant/business valuator fees |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Alexandria Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. 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 in Alexandria Family Law
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 Alexandria family law practice handles divorce, child custody, support, and equitable distribution matters.
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 (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 residents.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Related Legal Services
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Arlington County family law. In Alexandria, we handle other legal matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our lead attorney on the attorney profile page.
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.