Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes that control divorce, property division, and child-related matters. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and Va. Code § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving our firm direct experience with its application.
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 Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). 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 at 12001 Courthouse Circle. The 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 Filing: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk’s office. Pay the filing fee (approximately $86 for divorce).
- Service of Process: Have the other party served with the complaint and summons by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Attempt to negotiate a settlement through mediation or direct attorney negotiation.
- Court Hearings: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders (21-60 days after motion) and final hearings scheduled by the court.
Penalties and Legal Standards in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law cases involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | No-fault | Final decree in 2-4 months | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs | Separation agreement required |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or No-fault | Trial in 9-18 months | Fees + possible spousal/child support | Equitable distribution of assets |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Parenting plan ordered | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Visitation schedule established |
| Child Support | Guidelines calculation | Monthly payment order | Based on combined gross income | Health insurance provision |
| Spousal Support | 13-factor test | Temporary or permanent award | Based on need and ability to pay | Tax implications |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing our team with direct insight into this critical area of 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 documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces with equitable distribution agreements, child custody arrangements, and support modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
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
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in New Kent County, see our criminal defense and DUI/DWI pages. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.