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 with a case-specific approach. Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts, offering 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Alexandria
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full 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, fees, and procedural information.
Alexandria Family Court Process
Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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 to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint at Alexandria Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange 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.
- Complete 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 cases, proceed to trial where a judge decides unresolved issues based on Virginia law.
Alexandria Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Alexandria, family law outcomes are based on equitable distribution, child support guidelines, and the best interests of the child, with no criminal penalties but significant financial and custodial consequences.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair division of marital assets/debts | Determined at final hearing |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payments based on combined gross income | Until child turns 18 or graduates high school |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent payments | Duration varies by marriage length and need |
| Custody/Visitation | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Primary physical custody affects child support | Until child reaches majority |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Alexandria Family Law
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 amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing direct insight into this critical area of law.
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 in Alexandria Family Law
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation in Alexandria
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 offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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). 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Arlington County. If you need other legal services in Alexandria, consider our Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer or Alexandria DUI/DWI Lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys and our Arlington location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.