Divorce

Divorce Lawyers in Alexandria, VA

Trial-Tested Alexandria Divorce Attorneys. Personalized Strategy for Every Case.

Divorce is difficult even when you know it’s the right decision. The process can feel overwhelming, the legal questions come fast, and the stakes, your children, your finances, your future, are too high to navigate without a clear plan. People facing divorce in Alexandria often don’t know where to start, and uncertainty about the process is one of the hardest parts.

Speaking with a divorce attorney early helps. It clarifies your options, sets realistic expectations, and gives you a foundation to protect your interests before decisions get made without you.

At Silis & Associates, our goal is to help clients move through the Virginia divorce process as quickly and favorably as possible. We tailor our strategy to each case, whether you’re facing a straightforward uncontested proceeding or a complex matter involving children, significant assets, or a business. Thomas P. Silis also serves as a neutral mediator for parties seeking resolution outside the courtroom.

Our divorce lawyers in Alexandria, VA are ready to discuss your legal options. Contact us today at (703) 721-4773 or request a free case evaluation.

Virginia Divorce Law: Property, Support, & What’s at Stake

Understanding how Virginia law governs divorce helps you approach the process with clearer expectations. Two of the most consequential issues in any divorce are how marital property is divided and whether spousal support will be awarded.

Equitable Distribution of Marital Property

Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on the specific facts of the case, not automatically split 50/50. Under Virginia Code Section 20-107.3, courts weigh factors including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions to the marital estate, and the circumstances of the marriage. Outcomes vary significantly from case to case, which is why knowing how a local judge typically approaches these factors matters.

Spousal Support

Spousal support is governed by Virginia Code Section 20-107.1. Courts consider the length of the marriage, each party’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Fault can also affect the outcome: a spouse found guilty of adultery may be barred from receiving support, though a court may still make an award if denial would constitute a manifest injustice. Divorces involving minor children require resolution of custody and child support as well, and Virginia courts make those determinations based on the best interests of the child.

Virginia’s separation period runs concurrently with the time needed to negotiate and finalize terms like property division and support. Starting that process early with an attorney can make productive use of the waiting period rather than losing ground to the clock.

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Why Choose Silis & Associates?

Affordable Services

We make our top-notch legal counsel accessible to the entire state of Virginia.
Client-Centered Legal Counsel
We keep your best interests in mind from day one.
A Boutique Firm

Silis & Associates provide personalized representation to every client served.
Well-Versed in Multiple Areas of Law

Our firm can thoroughly navigate you through the complexities of your case.

Fault & No-Fault Divorce Grounds in Virginia

Virginia allows divorcing parties to file on fault or no-fault grounds. Fault-based divorce is generally harder to pursue: recognized grounds are limited to adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction with imprisonment, and you must prove fault on the other party’s part. Because fault-based cases are almost always contested, they tend to be more time-consuming and costly than no-fault proceedings.

No-fault divorce requirements include:

Couples with minor children must live separate and apart for at least one year.
Couples without minor children may file after six months of separation.
Couples without minor children must also sign a separation agreement to qualify for the shorter period.

No-fault divorce is the more common path, but it isn’t always the right one. In some cases, fault grounds may be worth pursuing, particularly when fault affects spousal support or other terms. The right choice depends on the specific facts of your situation, and that’s a determination best made with guidance from an attorney who knows Virginia divorce law.

Alexandria Divorce Representation Backed by Local Court Knowledge

Thomas P. Silis graduated cum laude from New York Law School in 1999 and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and New York, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Silis & Associates has received Super Lawyers recognition, and clients have highlighted positive outcomes in highly contested divorce and custody cases.

Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of Virginia divorce law and the courts that handle these matters in Alexandria, including the Alexandria City Circuit Court and the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on King Street. That familiarity with how these courts operate informs our recommendations. As a boutique firm, we offer personalized representation tailored to your situation, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Learn more about our child support services here.

Complex Divorce Cases in Alexandria: Children, Assets, & Business Interests

Not every divorce follows a straightforward path. When spouses disagree on property, custody, or support, the case becomes contested and requires litigation preparation and courtroom representation. Our attorneys’ knowledge of the Alexandria City Circuit Court and Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court directly informs how we build strategy in these matters.

High-Asset & Business Divorce

High-asset divorces require careful valuation of marital property, including real estate, retirement accounts, and business interests. Identifying what qualifies as marital versus separate property and establishing accurate valuations can significantly affect the outcome under Virginia’s equitable distribution framework. We work to help clients understand what’s at stake and pursue a resolution that reflects the full picture of the marital estate.

Child Custody in Contested Divorces

When children are involved, custody disputes are resolved based on the best interests of the child. Virginia courts weigh each parent’s relationship with the child, the stability of each home environment, and the child’s adjustment to school and community. Cases that reach this level of dispute require an attorney who knows how the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court approaches these determinations.

Where parties can reach agreement on all contested issues, a separation agreement can allow the case to move forward more efficiently once the statutory separation period is met. Whether your divorce is relatively simple or highly contested, our goal is to help you move forward with your interests protected.

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More than Qualified to Handle Your Case Trust Silis & Associates to Keep Your Best Interests First

See why we are a trusted name for legal guidance in the state of Virginia.

Why Hire Us?

Why Alexandria Clients Choose Silis & Associates

Divorce clients in Alexandria come to us because they want an attorney who knows Virginia law, knows the local courts, and will treat their case as an individual matter rather than a routine file. Our boutique structure makes that possible: you receive focused, personalized representation from attorneys who understand how the Alexandria City Circuit Court and the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court actually operate.

Thomas P. Silis graduated cum laude from New York Law School in 1999 and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and New York, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Silis & Associates has received Super Lawyers recognition, and clients have shared accounts of positive outcomes in highly contested divorce and custody cases.

Ready to take the first step? Contact us at (703) 721-4773 to speak with an Alexandria divorce lawyer and request your free case evaluation.

Flexible Payment Options for Alexandria Divorce Clients

Legal fees are a real concern when you’re navigating a divorce. Understanding your payment options early removes a common barrier to getting the representation you need. Silis & Associates offers both retainer and flat fee payment structures so clients can choose the arrangement that fits their case and financial situation.

Flat fees offer cost predictability for simpler matters where the scope is well defined. Retainer arrangements accommodate cases where the full scope is harder to predict at the outset, as contested divorces often are. Our goal is to make quality, trial-tested representation accessible to a wider range of clients in Alexandria, not just those with open-ended budgets. Call us at (703) 721-4773 to discuss your case and find out which payment structure may make sense for your situation.

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Our Reputation Speaks for Itself

Hear What Clients Have to Say About Us

"Exceptional attention to detail."
I have referred friends and family to him and plan to use his firm to represent me in the purchase of my next house and creation of wills.

- Jeff
"Tom and his team are fantastic! "
I would not go anywhere else for legal representation.

- AM
"Mr. Silis stood out as the right fit. "
The outcome was favorable thanks to the hard work and consistency Mr. Sillis and his colleagues provided.

- Liza
"He treats every case as the most important case of his career. "
Attorney Silis is very professional, kind, honest, understanding, compassionate, open minded, non judgmental.

- Raquel B.
"Tom Silis did an incredible job on my highly contested divorce and custody case."
He was such a nice guy when we met in his office but when we got to court he was surprisingly aggressive and in command.

- anonymous
" He did such a great job that the prosecutor decided to drop the case. "
Bottom line, if you're in northern Virginia and you need a lawyer, hire Tom Silis. He's a great lawyer.

- Jorge
" I will definitely hire him again if the need arises."
He was professional, knowledgeable, caring and thorough.

- Vick
"Two big thumbs up from me. "
He has a powerful commanding voice in the court room and his intelligent arguments are exactly what you need in a lawyer.

- Anonymous

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113 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
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