Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria family law cases are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters in Alexandria Circuit Court. Our Arlington location serves Alexandria clients with 120+ years of combined attorney experience. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment only.
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 of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). 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 Virginia Family Law 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 Court Procedures
Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 520 King Street. 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 the other party by sheriff, private process server, or accepted service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to gather evidence for trial.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without a full trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge at Alexandria Circuit Court.
Alexandria Family Law Penalties & Consequences
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific financial and custodial outcomes rather than criminal penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or fault grounds | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | 2-24 months |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payments based on formula | Until age 18/19 |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Temporary or permanent payments | Case-specific duration |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair division of marital assets/debts | Determined at final hearing |
| Custody/Visitation | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Parenting time schedule | Until child reaches majority |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, our firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases.
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
Alexandria Family Law 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 regularly appear in Alexandria Circuit Court and Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for divorce, custody, and support matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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 an Alexandria family law lawyer near the courthouse, we provide convenient access for local clients.
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). Filed at Alexandria Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information about our family law services throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
We also serve clients in neighboring areas including Arlington County family law.
If you need other legal services in Alexandria, consider our Alexandria criminal defense lawyer or Alexandria DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.