Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria family law cases are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters in Alexandria Circuit Court. Our Arlington location serves clients throughout Alexandria with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Call (888) 437-7747 for consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Alexandria
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 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 Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Alexandria family law cases are heard at the Alexandria General District Court website for certain matters, with divorce and equitable distribution handled by Alexandria Circuit Court.
Alexandria Family Court Procedures
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.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Alexandria Circuit Court clerk’s office. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a pendente lite motion. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, complete interrogatories, and conduct depositions if needed. Complex cases may require business valuation or forensic accounting.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve property division, support, and custody issues without trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge. The court will issue final orders on divorce, property division, support, and custody.
Alexandria Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Alexandria, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties: divorce filing fees start at $86, with additional costs for service, motions, and potential Guardian ad Litem fees of $500-$2,500+ for custody cases.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Alexandria Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 | Service fees $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Alexandria Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 | Discovery, experienced fees |
| Child Custody | Alexandria J&DR Court | 3-9 months | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Alexandria J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Varies | Income verification |
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, 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, the firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline reflects our approach: “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
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. Our attorneys actively practice in Alexandria courts, handling divorce, custody, support, and equitable distribution matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Alexandria Family Law Office
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). 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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Arlington County Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile | Arlington Location
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.