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 across all practice areas. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division matters filed at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
In New Kent County, divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery and cruelty. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, outlines how marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not a simple 50/50 split. Child custody determinations are made under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests, considering ten factors. Child support is calculated using the Virginia guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1, based on the parents’ combined gross income and the number of children.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Official Legal Resources
For the most current information, refer to these official government sources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Divorce grounds.
- New Kent County General District Court website – Local court information and procedures.
New Kent County Family Law Process
Family law cases in New Kent County are heard in two courts. The New Kent County Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action at the New Kent County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124. Pay the filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff, private process server, or through acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation to avoid a trial.
- Proceed to final hearing or trial: If no settlement is reached, the case will proceed to a final hearing before a judge at the New Kent County Circuit Court for a decision on all issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property division and statutory guidelines for child support.
| Issue | Legal Classification / Standard | Financial Impact / Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (separation) or Fault-based | Court filing fee: ~$86; Service fees: $12-$100+ |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Marital property divided fairly based on 11 factors |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Based on combined gross income & number of children |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary based on 13 factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support orders possible |
| Custody Dispute | Best Interests of the Child (10 factors) | Guardian ad Litem costs: $500-$2,500+ |
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 brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep, firsthand involvement with the law governing property division in divorce provides a significant strategic advantage in complex family law cases. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the precise details of your situation.
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
Documented 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 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 60. As a family law lawyer near New Kent County, we represent individuals in 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 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 Services
If you need assistance with other legal matters in New Kent County, please explore our related pages:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a neighboring locality.
- New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area in the same locality.
- Learn more about Mr. Sris – Attorney profile.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is updated based on available sources as of this date. Laws and procedures can change. For current guidance on your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.