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. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia is primarily codified in Title 20 of 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), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Mr. Sris played a direct role in amending the equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into its application.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
New Kent County Family Court Process
All divorce and equitable distribution cases in New Kent County are filed at the Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Standalone custody, visitation, and child support matters begin in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Virginia law 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 review your situation. Begin gathering 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. Your lawyer will negotiate a property settlement and parenting plan, potentially using mediation to resolve disputes.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders. If an agreement is reached, a final uncontested hearing is scheduled. If not, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves financial and custodial determinations based on equitable distribution and the child’s best interests.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property | 11 statutory factors considered |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Calculation based on combined gross income and number of children | Deviation possible for special circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Determined based on need, ability to pay, and marriage duration | Can be modifiable or non-modifiable |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal and physical custody arrangements | 10 factors guide the court’s decision |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Our unique advantage in Virginia family law stems from Mr. Sris’s personal involvement in amending the Commonwealth’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
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
Documented 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 these matters. These results include successful resolutions in divorce, custody, and support cases.
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), accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We are a family law lawyer near New Kent County, serving 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.
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
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.