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, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court procedures and forms, refer to the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Court Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 12001 Courthouse Circle. New Kent County 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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter. Bring relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, any existing agreements.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files the appropriate pleading (divorce complaint, custody petition) at New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle). Pay the filing fee (approximately $86).
- Service of process and response: The other party is served with the legal documents. They have 21 days to file an Answer. If they do not respond, you may seek a default judgment.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information and other evidence. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement agreement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and final resolution: If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to hearings and potentially trial before a judge at New Kent County Circuit Court for a final decree.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline | Potential Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month or 1-year separation | New Kent Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + legal fees |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | New Kent Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fees + discovery costs + trial costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | New Kent J&DR Court | 3-12 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | New Kent J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Filing fees + income verification |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | New Kent Circuit Court | 6-12 months | Financial analysis + hearing costs |
Results may vary. The information above provides general guidelines; individual case outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases.
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
Case Results in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 total documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters resolved at New Kent County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. As a family law lawyer near New Kent County, we serve New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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 Services
For more information on family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in New Kent County, consider our criminal defense or DUI/DWI defense services. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.