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. You need a 6-month or 1-year separation for a no-fault divorce, and the New Kent County Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce requires grounds under Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using statewide guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
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 Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms in New Kent County, refer to the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family 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 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 through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge. The court issues a final decree of divorce.
Penalties and Legal Standards in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law matters 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).
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | No-fault (Separation) | Final Decree | ~$86 filing fee + legal fees | Division of assets/debts |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault/No-fault | Court Trial | Higher legal fees + costs | Judge decides all issues |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Parenting Plan | Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+) | Legal decision-making & time-sharing |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Monthly Payment Order | Based on combined income | Enforceable by contempt |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair Division (Not 50/50) | Property Settlement | Valuation costs for businesses/assets | Division of marital property |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
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, providing unique insight into property division law. Our Richmond location serves the New Kent County area.
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, serving 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: 12-24 months; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation 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 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 like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal services in New Kent County, consider our criminal defense or DUI/DWI attorneys. 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.