Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria family law cases involve divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution under Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation with firm-wide experience across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. Our Arlington location serves Alexandria clients facing family court matters at the Alexandria Circuit Court. We handle the details of your case with a case-specific approach.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support. The primary laws 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 Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases.
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, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). The Alexandria General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
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 at the Alexandria Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse.
- Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery and trial.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial documents and answering interrogatories.
- Participate in court-ordered or voluntary mediation to try to reach a settlement.
- If no settlement is reached, prepare for trial with exhibits and witness lists.
Family Law Penalties and Requirements
In Alexandria, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Legal Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Separation period met |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + litigation costs | Grounds proven |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-124.3 factors |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division | 12-24 months complex | Business valuation costs | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 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), providing direct experience with the law’s application.
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 Experience
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, handling divorce, custody, and property division matters.
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Local Alexandria Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. As a family law lawyer near Alexandria, we provide accessible representation 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. 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). 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.
Related Legal Services
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Arlington County Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
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.