Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
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), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). 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, access the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Family Court Procedures
Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor. Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File initial pleadings at Alexandria Circuit Court with $86 filing fee
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary orders within 21-60 days
- Complete discovery including financial disclosures and depositions
- Attempt settlement or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party)
- Prepare for trial with witness lists and exhibits
- Obtain final decree from the court
Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Alexandria, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties, with divorce filing fees starting at $86 and additional costs for custody evaluations, mediation, and Guardian ad Litem services.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Alexandria Circuit Court | $86 | Service: $12-$100 | 2-24 months |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Alexandria Circuit Court | Additional costs | Hearing preparation | 21-60 days |
| Guardian ad Litem | Alexandria J&DR Court | $500-$2,500+ | Investigation fees | Case duration |
| Mediation | Court-referred | $100-$300/hour | Per party | Varies |
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 120+ years of combined attorney experience and has achieved 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).
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. The firm actively practices in Alexandria family courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout 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 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). 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 Services
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For family law representation in nearby areas, see our Arlington County family law lawyer page. For other legal services in Alexandria, consider our Alexandria criminal defense lawyer or Alexandria DUI/DWI lawyer pages. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.