Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation. Equitable distribution of marital property follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody uses the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows the Virginia 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
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code (law.lis.virginia.gov). For court-specific information, forms, and procedures, refer to the New Kent County General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
New Kent County Family Law Process
Family law cases in New Kent County are filed at the Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, or the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation, review documents, and develop a strategy.
- Filing the initial pleading: File the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, support) at the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk’s office and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the court papers to the other party to provide legal notice.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing, typically set within 21-60 days of the motion.
- Discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial information and other evidence through discovery. Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation.
- Trial or final hearing: If no settlement is reached, present your case at a trial before a judge at the New Kent County Circuit Court to obtain a final order.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, family law involves equitable distribution of property, not community property, and no-fault divorce after a 6-month or 1-year separation period.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Timeline / Consequence | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (separation) | 2-4 months | Filing fee ~$86 + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | Court costs + attorney fees |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Business valuation/assets | 12-24 months | Forensic accountant fees + costs |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Monthly payments | Based on combined gross income |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Temporary or permanent | Court-determined amount |
Results may vary. Each 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 has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law. 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 Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We are a family law lawyer near New Kent County, accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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 on family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In New Kent County, we handle other legal matters such as criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.