Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
New Kent County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault grounds; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The state follows equitable distribution principles rather than community property.
Va. Code § 20-91 establishes divorce grounds, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based options like adultery or cruelty. Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris) governs equitable distribution of marital property, considering 11 statutory factors for fair division. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the best interests standard for child custody decisions, evaluating 10 factors about the child’s welfare and each parent’s role.
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 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court-specific procedures and forms for New Kent County are available through 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 at 12001 Courthouse Circle. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court addresses standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File complaint at New Kent County Circuit Court: File the divorce complaint with the Circuit Court clerk at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint served by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100). File proof of service with the court.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial disclosures. Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to resolve issues without trial.
- Final hearing or trial: Attend the final uncontested hearing or proceed to trial for contested matters before a judge at New Kent County Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than penalties: Virginia is an equitable distribution state with no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault separation or fault grounds (adultery, cruelty, desertion, felony) | 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault | Filing fee: $86 |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (11 factors) | Varies by complexity | Valuation experts: $2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3 (10 factors) | Pendente lite: 21-60 days | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Establishment at filing | Court costs apply |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Determined at final hearing | Varies by case |
Results may vary based on individual case facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in New Kent County. 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 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 property division matters resolved through settlement or favorable court rulings.
Results may vary based on individual case facts and court discretion.
Local 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 provide family law lawyer services near New Kent County and surrounding communities.
We serve the New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton areas. 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 Services
For more information about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer services. For other legal needs in New Kent County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases.
Learn more about our attorneys’ experience with family law matters.
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 specific to your situation.