Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
In New Kent County, a no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Family law matters in New Kent County are governed by the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
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, 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 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.
- 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 a Complaint for Divorce or other pleadings at the New Kent County Circuit Court, located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124. Pay the filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The other party must be formally served with the complaint. 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 will negotiate for a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Trial: Attend any pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at the Circuit Court.
- Final Decree and Post-Judgment: The court issues a Final Decree of Divorce. Your attorney can assist with enforcing or modifying the order if circumstances change later.
Penalties and Legal Standards in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific costs and timelines rather than criminal penalties. Virginia uses an equitable distribution standard for property division.
| Offense / Matter | Classification / Standard | Timeline / Cost | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault (Separation) | 2-4 months; ~$86 filing fee + service costs | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | 9-18 months; higher legal fees | May involve pendente lite hearings for temporary orders |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | 12-24 months; forensic accountant fees may apply | Business valuation, retirement asset division |
| Child Custody Dispute | Best Interests of Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies; Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Court considers 10 statutory factors |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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 and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.” Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates deep, substantive involvement in Virginia family law.
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 matters resolved through dismissal, settlement, or favorable judgment.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We are a family law lawyer near New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
We serve the neighborhoods of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Richmond Location
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
State Hub: Learn more about our firm’s approach to Virginia family law.
Nearby Localities: We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County.
Other Practice Areas in New Kent County: Our firm also handles criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense matters.
Attorney Profile: Read more about our attorneys’ experience.
Our Office: Visit our Richmond location page for more information.
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.