Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
In 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 a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented results. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Alexandria Circuit Court at 520 King Street handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support filings, with typical timelines ranging from 2-4 months for uncontested cases to over a year for contested matters involving complex assets.
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 outlining grounds for divorce, Va. Code § 20-107.3 governing equitable distribution of marital property, Va. Code § 20-124.3 establishing the best interests standard for child custody, and Va. Code § 20-108.1 providing child support guidelines. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, bringing direct insight to property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on law.lis.virginia.gov. For Alexandria court procedures and forms, refer to the Alexandria Circuit Court website via vacourts.gov.
Alexandria Family Law Court Process
Family law cases in Alexandria are heard in the Alexandria Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for standalone custody and support matters. Virginia law 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 pleadings at the Alexandria Circuit Court, located at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate for a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Trial: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at Alexandria Circuit Court.
Potential Outcomes in Alexandria Family Law Cases
In Alexandria, family law outcomes are determined by equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not community property, meaning marital assets are divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or fault grounds | 2-24 months | Separation period, minor children, agreement |
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (11 factors) | Varies with complexity | Marital vs. separate property, valuations |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Ongoing | Parenting roles, child’s needs, stability |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly obligation | Combined gross income, custody share, healthcare |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary or permanent | Marriage length, earning capacities, standard of living |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
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’s personal amendment of Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) provides a distinct advantage in complex property division cases for Alexandria clients.
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
Documented Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes in family law and other practice areas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Alexandria courts. We represent individuals in 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 a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuations can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Alexandria, Virginia?
The Alexandria Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service ($12), private process servers ($50-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is usually excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Alexandria, Virginia?
Custody is decided based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s needs. Standalone custody cases go to Alexandria J&DR Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction resulting in imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, see our family law lawyer for Arlington County. For other legal needs in Alexandria, consider our Alexandria criminal defense lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance specific to your case.