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Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer | SRIS, P.C.
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Divorce & family law attorney in Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
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Alexandria Divorce & Family Law Attorney — What Are Your Legal Options?
In Alexandria, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide case results. You need a Visitation Lawyer Alexandria who knows local court procedures.
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ToggleVirginia Divorce and Family Law Statutes in Alexandria
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 statutory factors. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the best interests of the child, considering 10 factors. Child support follows Virginia guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1 based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1 using 13 statutory factors. A parenting time schedule lawyer Alexandria can help you establish a workable visitation plan.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For child visitation and parenting time matters specifically, Virginia courts apply the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. This statute requires the court to consider each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of family abuse when determining a parenting time schedule.
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Alexandria General District Court — official court website
Insider Knowledge: 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- File a complaint for divorce or custody at the Alexandria Circuit Court clerk’s office at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons through the sheriff’s office or a private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically within 21-60 days) for temporary support and custody orders.
- Complete mandatory financial disclosure and exchange all relevant documents with the other party.
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court or agreed upon by both parties.
- Final hearing or submission of agreed order for uncontested matters.
In Alexandria, Virginia, family law matters involve court orders for support, custody, and property division rather than criminal penalties.
| Issue | Classification | Potential Outcome | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | Civil | 2-4 months to final decree | ~$86 | Service of process: $12-$100 |
| Divorce (Contested) | Civil | 9-18 months | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Custody/Visitation | Civil | Best interests of child standard | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hour |
| Child Support | Civil | Virginia guidelines apply | ~$86 | Income verification costs |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Alexandria Family Law Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other family law attorney in the state can claim. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes Samantha Rae Powers, who holds a J.D./M.A. from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. in Communication from UCSB, with 18+ years of experience. We serve clients across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
Bar Admissions: Virginia (2023); Florida (2005)
Education: J.D./M.A., University of Florida (2005); Ph.D. Communication, University of California, Santa Barbara (2017)
With 18+ years of experience, Samantha Powers focuses exclusively on family law matters including divorce, custody, and equitable distribution. She brings a unique combination of legal experience and communication skills to every case.
Mr. Sris, as Managing Attorney, oversees all family law matters and provides strategic guidance on complex cases involving business valuation, retirement assets, and international assets.
Alexandria Family Law Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Alexandria. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Visit Our Alexandria-Area Location
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We are accessible via major highways and serve the entire Alexandria area.
Looking for a child visitation rights lawyer Alexandria? We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Alexandria
How long does a divorce take in Alexandria, Virginia?
It depends. 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?
Yes, costs vary. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. 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 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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Arlington Family Law Lawyer
- Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Alexandria DUI Lawyer
- Our Arlington Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.