Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in New Kent County is governed by the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (establishing grounds for divorce), Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), Va. Code § 20-124.3 (child custody best interests), and Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris.
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 Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, refer to the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Law Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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 case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter. Bring relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, any existing agreements.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files the appropriate pleading (divorce complaint, custody petition) at New Kent County Circuit Court or J&DR Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both parties exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement agreement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend scheduled hearings for temporary orders, mediation, or trial. The court issues a final decree resolving all issues if no settlement is reached.
New Kent County Family Law Penalties and Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after separation; fault grounds available | New Kent County Circuit Court | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-18 months (contested) |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | New Kent County Circuit Court | 12-24 months if complex |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | New Kent County J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | New Kent County J&DR Court | Established at filing |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. The firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline: “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, custody, and support matters resolved at New Kent County Circuit Court and J&DR Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). Our family law lawyer near New Kent County provides accessible representation for residents of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. We offer 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. 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 Virginia family law, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In New Kent County, we handle other legal matters such as criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.