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, and child-related matters. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property, Va. Code § 20-124.3 for determining the child’s best interests in custody cases, and Va. Code § 20-108.1 for child support guidelines. These statutes provide the legal framework for all family law proceedings in New Kent County.
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 Virginia code: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment). For local court procedures and forms, visit the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Law Process
Family law cases in New Kent County follow specific local procedures. New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- 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 files a divorce complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process on your spouse.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Hearings and Trial: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Final Decree and Post-Judgment: The court issues a final divorce decree. Your attorney helps with enforcement or modification of orders if circumstances change later.
Family Law Penalties and Standards in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution standard for property division and specific guidelines for support and custody determinations.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault grounds available: adultery, cruelty, desertion | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 12-24 months if complex | Valuation experienced fees |
| Child Custody | Child’s best interests (10 factors) | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Establish at filing | Minimal court costs |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
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 to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law development. This hands-on legislative experience provides unique insight into property division cases 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 total documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorce cases with favorable property division settlements, successful child custody arrangements, and appropriate support determinations.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts at 12001 Courthouse Circle. We represent individuals throughout New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. As a family law lawyer near New Kent County, we provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only at our Richmond office.
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 on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, 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’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.