Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
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), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific procedures and forms, refer to the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Court Procedures
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 12001 Courthouse Circle. New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Serve the complaint: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the complaint to your spouse within 120 days of filing.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of motion filing.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through formal discovery procedures, which may include interrogatories and depositions.
- Attempt mediation: Consider mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party) to resolve issues without a trial, though it is not mandatory in Virginia.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Divorce Penalties and Consequences in New Kent County
In New Kent County, divorce carries equitable distribution of marital property, potential spousal support, and child support calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | $86 filing fee + service costs | 2-4 months | Property settlement agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | $86 filing fee + attorney fees + court costs | 9-18 months | Discovery, possible trial, Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Complex Divorce | Equitable distribution | $86 filing fee + forensic accountant + business valuator | 12-24 months | Business valuation, retirement asset division, experienced witnesses |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. Our tagline reflects our approach: “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 documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters handled in New Kent County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at 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 near Colonial Downs Racetrack/Rosie’s. We serve 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). New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124) handles all property division. 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 | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.