Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Alexandria, VA

If you are considering ending your marriage in Alexandria, Virginia, and you and your spouse are in agreement on the key terms, an uncontested divorce may be the most efficient path forward. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help clients throughout Alexandria—including Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne—navigate the uncontested divorce process before the Alexandria Circuit Court. An uncontested divorce relies on mutual agreement about property division, support, and, where applicable, child-related matters. Virginia law provides for a no-fault divorce ground after a period of separation, and when the parties have a signed marital settlement agreement, the process can move forward without protracted litigation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive combined legal experience to the preparation of separation agreements, the filing of the complaint, and final court hearings. To request a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What Uncontested Divorce Means in Alexandria, Virginia

An uncontested divorce in Alexandria is a divorce in which both spouses agree on all material issues—including the division of marital property and debts, spousal support, and, if minor children are involved, custody, visitation, and child support—and one party files for divorce on a no-fault ground. In Virginia, uncontested divorce proceedings are filed in the Circuit Court of the locality where one of the parties resides. For Alexandria residents, that is the Alexandria Circuit Court, located at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor. Alexandria’s courts serve a diverse community, and the local bench is accustomed to handling family law matters ranging from straightforward uncontested dissolutions to complex equitable distribution cases.

Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This means that marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally, based on factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the circumstances that led to the divorce. A signed, comprehensive separation agreement allows the parties to control the terms of their property division and support obligations rather than asking a judge to decide. The Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, and support matters, while the Alexandria Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over the divorce itself and any accompanying equitable distribution claims. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with both courts and can ensure that your uncontested divorce papers are filed in the correct venue.

To proceed on a no-fault basis, the parties must satisfy Virginia’s separation requirement. If there are no minor children of the marriage and the parties have entered into a written separation agreement, the separation period is six months. In other cases, the separation must last for one year. During that time, the spouses must live separate and apart, and at least one of them must have the intent that the separation be permanent. Once the separation period has run, the plaintiff may file a complaint for divorce—Virginia no longer uses the term “bill of complaint”—and the court can enter a final decree of divorce.

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

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach uncontested divorces with a focus on clarity and thorough preparation. The process typically begins with a consultation during which the attorney learns about the marriage, the parties’ financial circumstances, and any areas of agreement or disagreement. If both spouses are willing to proceed on an uncontested basis, the team works to draft or review a marital settlement agreement that addresses property classification, the division of assets and debts, spousal support, and, when minor children are involved, custody, parenting time, and child support. In Virginia, child support is calculated according to statutory guidelines, and the parties’ agreement must be consistent with those guidelines unless a deviation is justified.

Once the agreement is signed and the required separation period has passed, Mr. Sris or one of his Of Counsel prepares the complaint for divorce, the settlement agreement is filed alongside it, and the papers are served on the other spouse. Because the divorce is uncontested, the defendant typically files an answer waiving further notice, and the matter proceeds to an ore tenus hearing or, if the court permits, a deposition in lieu of testimony. At the final hearing, the plaintiff presents brief testimony to establish the grounds for divorce and the terms of the settlement agreement. The judge reviews the agreement to ensure it is fair and then enters a final decree of divorce incorporating the agreement’s terms.

Additional costs such as sheriff’s service of process, private process server fees, or a guardian ad litem for custody matters may arise. The overall timeline for an uncontested divorce—once the separation period has run and all documents are in order—is ordinarily two to four months from filing to final decree, depending on the court’s calendar. Because every marriage and every settlement agreement is different, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate each case individually and provide guidance on what to expect at each step.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., a firm he established in 1997. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris draws on his courtroom experience to represent clients in family law matters across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He has worked on a wide range of divorce cases, including uncontested dissolutions, and he has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), which addressed retirement asset division in divorce cases. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to every matter they handle. Results may vary.

On an uncontested divorce, Mr. Sris may work with one or more Of Counsel attorneys—non-employee lawyers engaged through Excella—who assist with document preparation, settlement negotiations, and court appearances. Every Of Counsel attorney practices under Mr. Sris’s supervision, ensuring that clients benefit from a collaborative approach without sacrificing individual attention. The firm’s Arlington Location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209, serves Alexandria residents by appointment. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an uncontested divorce in Virginia?

An uncontested divorce is one in which both spouses agree on all domestic relations issues and one spouse files for divorce on a no-fault ground after the required separation period. In Virginia, this requires a signed separation agreement resolving property division, support, and, if applicable, child-related matters. Once the separation period is met—six months if no minor children and an agreement exists, or one year otherwise—the plaintiff files a complaint in the circuit court, and the case proceeds efficiently to a final decree.

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Alexandria?

After the mandatory separation period has run and all documents are filed, an uncontested divorce in Alexandria may be finalized within approximately two to four months. The timeline depends on the court’s docket and whether the hearing can be scheduled promptly. A fully executed marital settlement agreement and waiver of service can streamline the process. More complex financial arrangements may require additional time for review, but the absence of contested issues generally keeps the matter on a faster track.

What are the grounds for an uncontested divorce in Virginia?

An uncontested divorce in Virginia is typically based on the no-fault separation ground found in Va. Code § 20-91(9). If there are no minor children of the marriage and the parties have signed a separation agreement, the couple may seek a divorce after living separate and apart for six months. In all other cases, the separation must last for one year. Because fault grounds such as adultery or cruelty require proof and are not uncontested by nature, an uncontested divorce relies on the no-fault option.

Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Alexandria?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Virginia, but having experienced counsel helps ensure that your separation agreement is complete and enforceable and that procedural requirements are met. Errors in property classification, support provisions, or jurisdictional pleading can cause delays or leave an issue unresolved. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly assist Alexandria clients with uncontested divorces and can prepare the complaint, settlement agreement, and final decree.

How is property divided in an uncontested divorce?

Property division in an uncontested divorce is governed by the parties’ signed separation agreement, which must be fair and consistent with Virginia’s equitable distribution principles. Marital property includes assets acquired during the marriage other than by gift or inheritance, while separate property remains with the spouse who owns it. The parties may agree to divide assets in a way that suits their circumstances, and the court will approve the agreement as long as it is not unconscionable. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to craft agreements that withstand judicial scrutiny and protect each client’s interests.

What is a separation agreement, and do I need one?

A separation agreement—also called a marital settlement agreement or property settlement agreement—is a written contract in which the spouses resolve all matters arising out of their marriage, including property division, support, and child-related issues. In Virginia, a signed separation agreement is required to use the six-month separation ground for a no-fault divorce when no minor children are involved. Even when not strictly required, a comprehensive agreement streamlines the divorce process and minimizes the risk of future disputes. Mr. Sris can draft or review your agreement to make sure it addresses all necessary terms.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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