Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Alexandria, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
In Alexandria, family law matters are handled at the Alexandria Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and at the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support issues.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are defined in Va. Code § 20-91, including no-fault separation periods and fault grounds like adultery or cruelty. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), which considers 11 factors to divide marital property fairly. Child custody determinations use the “best interests of the child” standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, evaluating 10 statutory factors. Child support calculations follow the Virginia guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1, based on combined gross income and custody arrangements.
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) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Alexandria court procedures and forms, refer to the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Family Law Process
Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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.
- 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.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney will file the divorce complaint with the Alexandria Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing (if needed): If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Final Hearing or Trial: For uncontested cases, attend a brief final hearing. For contested matters, proceed to trial before a judge at Alexandria Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Alexandria, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property division, no-fault divorce after separation periods, and child support calculations based on state guidelines.
| Matter | Legal Classification | Timeline / Standard | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | Court costs + attorney fees + possible experienced fees |
| Child Support | Guideline Calculation | Monthly obligation | Based on combined income & custody share |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | Resolved with divorce | Fair division of assets/debts per 11 factors |
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 brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our approach is: Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
SRIS actively practices in Alexandria — firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
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 (520 King Street). We are a family law lawyer near Alexandria and the Old Town area. We serve Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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).
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).
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, see our Arlington County Family Law Lawyer page. For other legal needs in Alexandria, consider Criminal Defense or DUI/DWI Defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.