Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
New Kent County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault grounds. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Divorce in Virginia requires meeting specific statutory grounds. No-fault divorce is available after a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists, or after a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Child support is calculated using Virginia’s guidelines based on the combined gross income of both parents. Spousal support is determined by evaluating 13 statutory factors, including the length of the marriage, each party’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. The New Kent County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and contact details.
New Kent County Family Court Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Hearings and Trial: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a New Kent County Circuit Court judge for a final decision.
New Kent County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In New Kent County, divorce involves court costs and attorney fees but no criminal penalties. The legal process determines financial support and property division.
| Matter | Court | Typical Filing Fee | Additional Potential Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Circuit Court | $86 | Service of process ($12-$100) |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Circuit Court | Additional court costs | Hearing preparation |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | J&DR Court | Varies | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Mediation | Court-referred | N/A | $100-$300/hour per party |
Results may vary. The costs and outcomes in a family law case depend on the specific facts, cooperation between parties, and court decisions.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement in shaping the law provides a distinct advantage in complex property division cases. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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
New Kent County Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters we have handled. These results include negotiated property settlements, favorable child custody arrangements, and resolved support disputes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Family Law Representation Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We are a family law lawyer near New Kent County, serving the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in New Kent County, 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 New Kent County, 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 New Kent County, Virginia?
Custody in New Kent County 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. New Kent County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. New Kent County 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 New Kent County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile | Our Richmond Office
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.