Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 defines divorce grounds, including no-fault separation periods of 6 months (no minor children) or 1 year. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property, considering 11 statutory factors. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s 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 contact details.
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 handles standalone custody, visitation, and child support cases.
- Consultation: Discuss your case specifics with an attorney to understand your rights and options under Virginia law.
- Filing: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint (divorce, custody, support) with the New Kent County Circuit Court or J&DR Court and pays the filing fee.
- Service: The other party is formally served with the legal papers, typically by a sheriff or private process server.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement agreement on property, support, and custody.
- Resolution: If an agreement is reached, the court approves it. If not, the case proceeds to a pendente lite hearing for temporary orders and eventually a trial.
- Final Order: The judge signs a final decree of divorce or custody order, legally ending the marriage or establishing parental rights.
Family Law Penalties and Costs in New Kent County
In New Kent County, divorce and family law matters involve court costs, potential support obligations, and property division, but no criminal penalties unless contempt of court is found.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | Filing: ~$86 + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney costs | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing + experienced valuation fees | Businesses, retirement assets valued |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Filing + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | 10 statutory factors considered |
Results may vary. The costs and timelines above are estimates based on typical New Kent County cases.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have 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 law. This direct legislative experience is a key differentiator for clients in New Kent County facing complex marital estates.
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 for family law matters. These results include successful resolutions in divorce, custody agreements, and equitable distribution cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Services for New Kent County Residents
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We are a family law lawyer near New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. We serve the New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support are usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs about $12. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem fees for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
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, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Separate property (owned before marriage, inheritance) is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in New Kent County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 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 cases; the Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal services in New Kent County, consider our criminal defense or DUI/DWI defense attorneys. Learn more about Mr. Sris or our Richmond office location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.