Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Alexandria
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on best interests of the child), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
Alexandria Family Court Procedures
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.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Alexandria Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to gather evidence for trial.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge at Alexandria Circuit Court for a final decision.
Alexandria Family Law Penalties & Costs
In Alexandria, family law matters involve court costs, not criminal penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Classification | Typical Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | Final decree ends marriage |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | ~$86 filing + discovery costs | Court decides property, support, custody |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-asset divorce | 12-24 months | ~$86 filing + experienced fees | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Filing fees + GAL ($500-$2,500+) | Parenting plan, decision-making authority |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Authority
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. This direct legislative involvement provides a deep understanding of Virginia family 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
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. The firm’s attorneys handle divorce, custody, support, and equitable distribution matters in Alexandria.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Alexandria
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. 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.
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). 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.
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 Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page
- Arlington County Family Law Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area
- Mr. Sris Attorney 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.