Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in New Kent County, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Our firm has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation with minor children, under Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Child custody is determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows state 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 family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, forms, and procedures, refer to the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Law Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and support cases. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce, custody, or support complaint at the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk’s office. Pay the filing fee (approximately $86 for divorce).
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the court papers to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If you file for temporary support or custody, attend the pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of your motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. In complex cases, this may involve business valuation experts or forensic accountants.
- Attempt mediation: Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach a settlement on property division, custody, and support.
- Proceed to trial if needed: If no settlement is reached, your case will go to trial before a judge at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Family Law Penalties and Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific legal standards and potential financial consequences, not criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property and statutory guidelines for support.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of marital assets & debts | Business valuation costs ($2,500-$10,000+) |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly payments based on income | Wage garnishment for arrears |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent payments | Tax implications |
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or Fault Grounds (Va. Code § 20-91) | Court costs: $86+ filing fee | 6-month or 1-year separation period |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and other matters.
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). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We serve the New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton communities.
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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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
For more information, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer. In New Kent County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. 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.