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 our founder personally amended. We have 11 documented case results in New Kent County. Our firm, founded in 1997, offers 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
In New Kent County, divorce and family law matters are handled by the Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, outlines how marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily equally—based on 11 factors. Child custody determinations are made according to the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which lists 10 factors for the court to consider. Child support is calculated using statewide 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
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Information about the New Kent County court where your case will be heard is available on the New Kent County Combined Courts website.
New Kent County Family Law Process
Family law cases in New Kent County follow a specific local procedure. The New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District 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 will prepare and file the divorce complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge. The court issues a final decree of divorce.
Penalties and Legal Standards in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law involves specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Issue | Legal Classification / Standard | Potential Outcome / Range | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or Fault-based | Dissolution of marriage | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs | Separation period required for no-fault |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property | Varies by asset value; forensic accounting may be needed | Separate property (pre-marriage, gifts, inheritance) excluded |
| Child Support | Guidelines-based (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly payment based on combined income & number of children | Ongoing monthly obligation | Enforceable by contempt; modifiable upon substantial change |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary based on 13 factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support award | Monthly payment; amount/duration varies | Tax implications; modifiable or terminable |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal & physical custody arrangements | Guardian ad Litem costs: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting plan required; relocation restrictions may apply |
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. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the development of state family law. This background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in complex financial divorce cases involving business valuation or retirement assets.
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 successful resolutions in divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We are a family law lawyer near New Kent County and the surrounding communities of 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 Services
For more information on family law across Virginia, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with other legal matters in New Kent County, consider our criminal defense or DUI/DWI defense services. Learn more about your attorney on the Bryan Block profile page.
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.