Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria divorce and 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 Alexandria residents facing divorce, custody disputes, and property division. Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Alexandria Cases
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that apply in Alexandria Circuit Court and Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. 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, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm direct insight into how courts interpret property division. Founded in 1997 with former prosecutor experience, our firm brings 120+ years of combined legal experience to Alexandria family law cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia Legislative Information System
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code (official Virginia General Assembly website). For Alexandria court 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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File initial complaint for divorce, custody, or support at Alexandria Circuit Court with required filing fee.
- Serve the other party by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service within 120 days.
- Attend the court’s scheduling conference to establish deadlines for discovery, motions, and trial.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange, interrogatories, and depositions.
- Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to resolve issues without trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge at Alexandria Circuit Court.
Alexandria 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), and fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing + motion fees | Discovery, possible trial |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86+ filing + experienced fees | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | 3-9 months | Filing fees + GAL costs | Guardian ad litem possible |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Alexandria Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). With 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, our firm brings substantial experience to Alexandria family law matters. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision” reflects our approach to serving Alexandria clients.
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 in family law matters including divorce, custody, and property division cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Alexandria Family Law Office Location
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 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. 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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 Resources
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For family law assistance in nearby areas, see our Arlington County family law lawyer page. For other legal services in Alexandria, explore our Alexandria criminal defense lawyer and Alexandria DUI/DWI lawyer pages. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.