Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Alexandria, VA

An uncontested divorce offers a faster, less costly, and more private way to end a marriage when both spouses agree on all the issues. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Guides clients in Alexandria, Virginia through the uncontested divorce process under Virginia Code § 20‑91. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, and his Of Counsel team concentrate their practice on family law matters including uncontested divorce, separation agreements, property division, spousal support, and child custody. Whether you live in Old Town, Del Ray, Kingstowne, or anywhere in Alexandria (City), the firm can help you prepare a separation agreement, file the complaint in Alexandria Circuit Court, and appear with you at the final hearing. The firm’s Arlington location serves clients throughout Alexandria and Northern Virginia. To discuss your situation and learn how an uncontested divorce works, reach us at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

What Uncontested Divorce Means in Alexandria, Virginia

An uncontested divorce is one in which both spouses agree on every material term: the grounds for divorce, division of marital property and debts, spousal support (if any), and, when minor children are involved, child custody, visitation, and child support. Because there is no dispute, the case proceeds efficiently and does not require a trial. Virginia law provides two no‑fault grounds that are commonly used in uncontested cases. Under Virginia Code § 20‑91(9)(a), a divorce may be granted after the parties have lived separate and apart for one year. Under subsection (9)(b), the waiting period is reduced to six months if there are no minor children of the marriage and the parties have executed a written separation agreement resolving all property, support, and custody issues.

For Alexandria residents, the Alexandria Circuit Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over divorce actions. The court is located at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320, and handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Standalone custody, visitation, and child support cases are heard in the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. When an uncontested divorce includes child‑related issues, the separation agreement must address each issue in sufficient detail for the Circuit Court to approve the arrangement. The firm routinely prepares agreements that meet the court’s requirements and can arrange for a corroborating witness, which Virginia law requires for an uncontested divorce hearing.

The Uncontested Divorce Process in Virginia

Although every case is unique, an uncontested divorce in Virginia generally follows a predictable path. The first step is meeting the statutory separation period. For the six‑month ground, a signed, comprehensive separation agreement must be in place and the marriage must have no minor children. For the one‑year ground, the parties must have lived separate and apart continuously for the required time. Once the separation period is satisfied, the plaintiff files a Complaint for Divorce in Alexandria Circuit Court. The filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86; sheriff service of process is approximately $12. Private process servers are also available. After the complaint is filed and the defendant is served, the matter is set for a short final hearing, often referred to as an “uncontested divorce hearing.” At the hearing, the plaintiff (or the plaintiff’s attorney) presents testimony and a corroborating witness. If the court finds that the grounds have been met and the separation agreement is fair and equitable, it enters a final decree of divorce.

Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint in Alexandria is approximately $86; sheriff service of process is approximately $12.

Source: Alexandria Circuit Court fee schedule. Alexandria Circuit Court

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

Many uncontested divorces in Alexandria are finalized within two to four months of filing when a signed separation agreement is already in place. The timeline can vary based on the court’s calendar and whether all documents are properly prepared. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work to move each matter forward efficiently, ensuring that pleadings and agreements comply with Virginia law and local court preferences.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Uncontested Divorce Cases

When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for an uncontested divorce, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by reviewing your situation to confirm that you qualify for the no‑fault ground you intend to use. If a separation agreement is needed, the team works with you to identify and value all marital assets and debts, address spousal support where appropriate, and, if children are involved, draft custody and support provisions that serve the child’s best interests. The firm’s approach emphasizes clarity and completeness so that the court can approve the agreement without delay.

Once the separation period is satisfied, the firm prepares and files the Complaint for Divorce in Alexandria Circuit Court. The team coordinates service of process and monitors the docket to request a hearing date as soon as the matter is ready. At the final hearing, an attorney from the firm appears with you and your corroborating witness, presents the necessary testimony, and asks the court to enter the final decree. Because the firm concentrates on family law, the attorneys are familiar with the procedures and expectations of the Alexandria courts, which helps to reduce the risk of procedural missteps that could prolong the case.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a bill that revised Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. His Of Counsel attorneys, each with extensive experience in family law and litigation, work alongside him on uncontested divorce matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The team has documented case results across all practice areas since 1997.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Alexandria, Virginia?

An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically resolves within two to four months after the complaint is filed. The timeline depends on the satisfied separation period — either six months or one year — and the Alexandria Circuit Court’s calendar. Once the grounds are met, the hearing is usually brief because all issues have been resolved by agreement. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare the filings to move the matter through the court efficiently.

What are the grounds for an uncontested divorce in Virginia?

Uncontested divorces in Virginia are commonly based on the no‑fault ground of living separate and apart. Under Va. Code § 20‑91(9)(a), a divorce may be granted after a one‑year separation. Under subsection (9)(b), the period is six months when the parties have no minor children and have signed a written separation agreement resolving all property, support, and custody matters. Fault grounds such as adultery or cruelty are not typically used in uncontested cases.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Alexandria?

The court filing fee for a divorce complaint in Alexandria is approximately $86, and service by the sheriff is about $12. Other costs may include private process service, a corroborating witness, and attorney fees for preparing the separation agreement and representing you at the hearing. Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of the marital estate and whether minor children are involved. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your matter and learn more about expected costs.

Can I get divorced in Virginia without a lawyer?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer for an uncontested divorce, but legal guidance can help avoid mistakes that delay the process. Virginia law requires a corroborating witness, proper pleadings, and a separation agreement that complies with the statute. An attorney can ensure the agreement is enforceable and that all required forms are correctly filed in Alexandria Circuit Court. Even in an agreed case, procedural errors can result in a dismissed complaint or an unfair resolution.

What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?

A contested divorce involves disagreement over one or more issues, such as property division, support, or custody, requiring court intervention and a trial. An uncontested divorce, by contrast, occurs when both spouses agree on all terms and present a joint resolution to the court. Uncontested cases are generally faster and less expensive. Alexandria Circuit Court handles both types, but uncontested matters reach a final decree much sooner because no discovery or contested hearings are necessary.

How is property divided in a Virginia uncontested divorce?

In an uncontested divorce, the parties themselves decide how to divide their property through a separation agreement, rather than leaving the decision to a judge. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20‑107.3, meaning the court would divide marital property fairly but not necessarily 50/50. If the parties’ agreement is reasonable, the court will generally approve it. Separate property — items acquired before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance — remains with the owning spouse.

Do we have to go to court for an uncontested divorce in Alexandria?

Yes, Virginia law requires at least one spouse to appear in court with a corroborating witness for the final divorce hearing. The hearing is typically short, and an attorney from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. will appear with you and present the testimony. The Alexandria Circuit Court must confirm that the separation period has been met and that the agreement resolves all outstanding issues before entering the final decree.

What if my spouse won’t sign the separation agreement?

If your spouse refuses to sign a separation agreement, the divorce cannot proceed on the six‑month ground and may become contested. You can still file on the one‑year separation ground under § 20‑91(9)(a) if you have lived apart for that period, but property and support issues would then be decided by the court unless an agreement is reached later. The firm can help you evaluate whether a contested filing is appropriate and represent you through the process if litigation becomes necessary.

Can we use one lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Virginia?

No, one lawyer cannot represent both spouses in a Virginia divorce due to ethical rules that prohibit representing conflicting interests. One spouse may hire an attorney to draft the separation agreement and prepare the complaint, but the other spouse should have the opportunity to consult independent counsel. The attorney representing the filing spouse can communicate directly with the unrepresented spouse only in a limited capacity.

How does the process work if we have minor children?

When minor children are involved, the separation period is one year, even if both parents agree on all child‑related matters. The separation agreement must address legal custody, physical custody, visitation schedules, child support calculated under Virginia guidelines, health insurance, and tax dependency. The Alexandria Circuit Court will review the provisions for the children’s best interests before approving the agreement. The firm routinely prepares comprehensive parenting‑plan provisions that conform to the statutory factors in Va. Code § 20‑124.3.

Additional Resources:
Virginia Code Title 20 — Domestic Relations
Virginia Judicial System

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.