Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
In New Kent County, a no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Family law matters in New Kent County are governed by 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), § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
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 § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, forms, and procedures, refer to the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Court Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- 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 file a Complaint for Divorce or other appropriate pleading at the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process: The other party must be formally served with the complaint, typically by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate for a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Resolution: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement is reached, a final hearing is scheduled. If not, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards for Virginia Family Law
In New Kent County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties. No-fault divorce is available after a 6-month separation (no minor children) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Financial Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | New Kent Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Filing fee: ~$86 + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | New Kent Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Potential for Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Property Division | New Kent Circuit Court | 12-24 months | Business valuation, forensic accounting costs |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Best Interests of Child | New Kent J&DR Court | Varies | Guardian ad Litem often appointed |
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. 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 matters resolved through dismissal, reduction of charges, or favorable settlement.
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). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We are a family law lawyer near New Kent County, serving the 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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub | Sibling localities: Henrico County Family Law Lawyer, Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer | Related practice areas in New Kent County: Criminal Defense Lawyer, DUI/DWI Lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.