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, child custody, and support. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into this complex area of law.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current statutory language, refer to the official Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For local court procedures and forms, visit the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Law Process
Family law matters in New Kent County are heard in two courts: the Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support; the Juvenile and Domestic Relations (J&DR) Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter, review documents, and develop a strategy.
- Filing the complaint or petition: File the appropriate complaint for divorce, custody, or support with the New Kent County Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, paying the required filing fees.
- Discovery and evidence gathering: Engage in the discovery process to exchange financial documents, witness statements, and other evidence relevant to property division, support, and custody.
- Negotiation and settlement attempts: Participate in settlement conferences or mediation to attempt to resolve issues like property division, spousal support, and child custody without a trial.
- Court hearings and trial preparation: Prepare for and attend necessary court hearings, including pendente lite motions for temporary orders, and if settlement fails, prepare for trial before a judge.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law involves specific procedures and potential outcomes rather than criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property division and statutory guidelines for child and spousal support.
| Matter | Legal Standard / Classification | Typical Timeline | Potential Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (separation period met) | 2-4 months | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or contested no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | Court fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs (valuators) |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Amounts (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Established at initial hearing | Monthly payments based on combined income & custody schedule |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 12-24 months if complex | Division of marital property, debts, retirement assets |
Results may vary. Each family law case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative involvement and authority 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 for family law matters we have handled. These results include successful resolutions in divorce, custody modifications, and support enforcement cases.
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 provide 24/7 phone consultations at (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. If you are in a neighboring area, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in New Kent County, see our New Kent County criminal defense lawyer or New Kent County DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.