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 with firm-wide experience across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases filed at Alexandria Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris helped amend. Divorce requires either a 6-month separation with a signed agreement and no minor children, or a 1-year separation otherwise. 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 complete Virginia divorce statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Alexandria family law cases are heard at Alexandria General District Court, which provides local rules and forms.
Alexandria Family Court Process
Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 520 King Street. 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 case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your divorce, custody, or support matter. Bring relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint for divorce, custody, or support at Alexandria Circuit Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor). Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Service of process and response: The other party is served with the complaint. They have 21 days to file an answer. If they don’t respond, you may seek a default judgment.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information and other evidence. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and trial: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to pendente lite hearings for temporary orders, then to trial for final resolution before a judge.
- Final decree and post-judgment matters: The court issues a final decree of divorce or custody order. Your attorney can help with enforcement or modification if circumstances change.
Alexandria Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Alexandria, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs, attorney fees, and potential financial obligations for support and property division.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | Court fee: ~$86 | Service fees: $12-$100 |
| Child Support | Civil Obligation | Based on VA guidelines | Enforcement through income withholding |
| Spousal Support | Civil Obligation | Based on 13 factors | Modifiable with changed circumstances |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Fair division of assets/debts | Business valuation may be required |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
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 how courts divide marital property. This amendment experience distinguishes our approach to complex property division cases in Alexandria.
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
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. As an Alexandria family law lawyer near the courthouse, we provide convenient access for local clients.
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). 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 Services
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Arlington County Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
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.