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 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 in New Kent County is defined by the Virginia Code. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody uses the “best interests of the child” standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using statewide guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Divorce grounds.
- New Kent County General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
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 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. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney files a Complaint for Divorce or appropriate pleading at the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk’s office and pays the filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: The sheriff or a private process server delivers the court papers to your spouse, completing service of process.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing (if needed): If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing before a judge.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering all issues like property division, support, and custody.
- Final Hearing or Trial: If an agreement is reached, attend a brief uncontested hearing. If not, proceed to a contested trial before a judge at the Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction.
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court | Typical Costs | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | New Kent Circuit Court | $86 filing + service fees | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | New Kent Circuit Court | $86 filing + litigation costs | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | New Kent J&DR Court | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Varies |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis | New Kent Circuit Court | Business valuation fees | 12-24 months (complex) |
Results may vary. The costs and timelines above are estimates based on typical cases in New Kent County.
Firm Credentials and Local 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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our team direct insight into the law’s application in New Kent County Circuit Court.
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 for these matters.
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 Courthouse and Colonial Downs.
We serve the New Kent County area and surrounding communities including 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). New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124) handles all property division. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Sibling locality page.
- New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area page.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Richmond Office Location
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.