Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). The law requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial divorce cases.
Official Legal Resources
New Kent County Family Court Process
All divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters are heard at the New Kent County Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders are handled by the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
- Initial Filing: File a divorce complaint with the Circuit Court clerk, pay the $86 filing fee, and have the sheriff serve the other party.
- Response Period: The defendant has 21 days to file an answer after being served.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange financial documents through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Settlement Negotiation: Attorneys negotiate a property settlement agreement covering asset division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and, if necessary, a final divorce hearing before a judge.
- Final Decree: The judge signs the final decree of divorce, which becomes effective after a 30-day appeal period.
New Kent County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In New Kent County, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential spousal support, and equitable distribution of marital assets and debts.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | Filing fee: ~$86 + service fees | Division of marital property, potential support orders |
| Child Support | Court Order | Based on VA guidelines & income | Contempt for non-payment, wage garnishment |
| Spousal Support | Court Order | Based on 13 statutory factors | Modifiable based on changed circumstances |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on prior cases and do not aim for a similar result in your matter.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into this critical area of law. We have 11 documented case results in New Kent County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
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
New Kent County Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. These results include successful negotiations of property settlement agreements, favorable child custody arrangements, and resolutions of complex equitable distribution cases involving business assets.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225 serves clients at the New Kent County courts. We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We represent clients in New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
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 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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for Virginia family law.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in a neighboring county.
- New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
- Richmond Office Location – Details about our serving location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.