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 for Alexandria residents facing divorce, custody disputes, and support issues. Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for 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 of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on best interests of the child). 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 Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For Alexandria court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Family Law Court Process
Alexandria Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. 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: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Alexandria Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend scheduling conference: The court will schedule a conference to set deadlines for discovery, mediation, and potential trial dates.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Attempt mediation to resolve issues without trial.
- Prepare for trial or settlement: If mediation fails, prepare for trial on contested issues like property division, custody, and support.
- Obtain final order: Receive a final divorce decree or court order resolving all family law matters from the judge.
Alexandria Family Law Procedures and Potential Outcomes
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific procedures and potential outcomes based on Virginia statutes and local court rules.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Alexandria Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Requires signed separation agreement; 6-month or 1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | Alexandria Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Equitable distribution of property; potential spousal support |
| Child Custody | Alexandria J&DR Court | Varies | Based on child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Alexandria J&DR Court | Establishment: 1-3 months | Calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined income |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
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). 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. Family law lawyer near Alexandria. 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. 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Arlington County. For other legal needs in Alexandria, see our Alexandria criminal defense lawyer and Alexandria DUI/DWI lawyer pages. 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.