Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria 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 divorce, custody, and support cases in Alexandria Circuit Court. Our Arlington location serves Alexandria clients with appointments available.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or 1-year separation with minor children, before filing at Alexandria Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Alexandria
Family law in Alexandria follows Virginia’s equitable distribution system under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend. This statute governs how marital property is divided fairly during divorce. Other key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody determinations).
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 (law.lis.virginia.gov). For Alexandria court information, procedures, and forms, access the Alexandria General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Alexandria Family Court Process
Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 520 King Street. The 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 complaint with Alexandria Circuit Court Clerk’s Office ($86 filing fee).
- Serve the other party by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support/custody within 21-60 days if needed.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange and potential business valuation.
- Attempt settlement through mediation (available but not mandatory in Virginia).
- Proceed to trial before a judge if settlement fails.
Alexandria Family Law Procedures and Standards
In Alexandria, family law follows Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Alexandria Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + additional costs | Alexandria Circuit |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Business valuation cases | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Alexandria Circuit |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Alexandria J&DR |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
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 attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally helped amend Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating direct involvement in Virginia family law development.
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 in family law and other practice areas.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
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. 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). 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.
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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.