Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The key laws include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property, Va. Code § 20-108.1 for child support guidelines, and Va. Code § 20-124.2 for determining the child’s best interests in custody cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, forms, and procedures, refer to the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Law Process
Family law cases in New Kent County are heard in two courts: the Circuit Court handles divorce and equitable distribution, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody and support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- 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 file the divorce complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge for a final decision.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, divorce and family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution standard, where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Timeline / Consequence | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Divorce | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | Uncontested: 2-4 months; Contested: 9-18 months | Filing fee: ~$86; Service: ~$12-$100 |
| Fault Divorce (Adultery) | No waiting period | Case duration varies | Same court costs; potential impact on support |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Complex cases: 12-24 months | Valuation experts: $2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Monthly obligation until emancipation | Calculated via state formula |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary or permanent | Court-determined amount and duration |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on general Virginia law and typical New Kent County procedures. Each case is unique.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative involvement in family law. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of your situation in New Kent County.
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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. Our family law lawyer near New Kent County provides representation for residents of 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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page for family law information.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Representation in a neighboring county.
New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Help with related legal matters in the same locality.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
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.