Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The primary laws 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).
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment to Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates deep involvement in Virginia family law.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific 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. The 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.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file a divorce complaint at New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle). The filing fee is approximately $86.
- Service of Process and Response: The complaint is served on your spouse. They have 21 days to file an Answer. If uncontested, a separation agreement may be drafted.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information. Negotiations occur for property division, support, and custody. Mediation may be used.
- Final Hearing or Trial: For uncontested cases, a brief hearing is held. Contested cases proceed to trial where a judge decides all issues based on Virginia law.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce (no minor children with signed agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | J&DR or Circuit | Varies | 10 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital property division | Circuit Court | 12-24 months if complex | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary award | Circuit Court | Determined at final hearing | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to family law in New Kent County.
Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct legislative involvement provides unique insight into property division cases.
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 divorces, custody matters, and support cases handled at the New Kent County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
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. As a family law lawyer near New Kent County, we represent clients in 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
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In New Kent County, we handle other legal matters such as criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys and our Richmond office.
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.