Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in New Kent County, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The firm has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation with minor children, under Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which considers 11 factors for a fair, not necessarily equal, split. Child custody is determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia statute from the state legislature.
- New Kent County General District Court – Official court website for case information and procedures.
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.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce at the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk’s office, 12001 Courthouse Circle. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) formally serve the complaint.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a motion. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents. The court may order mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach a settlement.
- Proceed to final hearing or trial: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to a final hearing before a judge.
Family Law Procedures & Potential Outcomes
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific procedures and costs but do not carry criminal penalties. The legal standard is based on equitable distribution and the best interests of the child.
| Matter | Court / Classification | Typical Timeline | Filing & Common Costs | Key Legal Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | New Kent County Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 filing + $12 service | 6-month/1-year separation (Va. Code § 20-91) |
| Contested Divorce | New Kent County Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 filing + process server + potential GAL ($500-$2,500+) | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) |
| Child Custody | New Kent County J&DR Court | Varies | Motion filing fee + potential GAL | Best interests of child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) |
| Child Support | New Kent County J&DR Court | Established at hearing | Motion filing fee | Virginia guidelines based on income (Va. Code § 20-108.1) |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing deep insight into property division law. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of your situation.
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 documented case results in New Kent County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and other cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near New Kent County
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.
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?
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 is excluded.
How is child custody decided in New Kent County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. New Kent County J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for Virginia family law.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in a nearby locality.
- New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about the primary attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is updated from 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.