Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The state requires either a 6-month separation (with signed agreement and no minor children) or a 1-year separation for no-fault divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 with a background as a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). This amendment refined how courts divide marital property fairly, though not necessarily equally, considering 11 statutory factors.
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, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). The New Kent County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
New Kent County Family Court Process
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.
- 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.
- File the complaint at New Kent County Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial information through discovery. Attend mediation if ordered or agreed upon to attempt settlement on property division and custody.
- Final hearing or trial: If settlement is reached, attend an uncontested hearing. If not, proceed to trial where a judge decides all contested issues based on Virginia law.
Divorce Penalties and Consequences in New Kent County
In New Kent County, divorce carries specific financial and legal consequences including property division, potential spousal support, and child support obligations determined by Virginia guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Marital property divided fairly | Determined at final hearing |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Monthly payments based on need/ability | Temporary orders possible; final at hearing |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payments per state formula | Effective from filing; modifiable |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Parenting time schedule | Determined at hearing; modifiable |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ total case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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
New Kent County Case Results
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 divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters resolved at New Kent County Circuit Court.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
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 serving New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (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.
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.
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.
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
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In New Kent County, we handle other legal matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.