Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes and Definitions
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define the legal process for divorce, 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), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests).
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial cases. His personal amendment to Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates deep involvement in Virginia family law.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current statutory language, refer to the official Virginia code: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance). For local court procedures and forms, visit the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Law Procedure
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 Strategy: Schedule a consultation to discuss your case specifics and the applicable Virginia statutes.
- Document Preparation and Filing: Your attorney prepares and files the necessary pleadings with the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk.
- Service of Process and Response: The other party is formally served and has 21 days to file an Answer.
- Discovery and Negotiation: For contested matters, the discovery process occurs. Your attorney negotiates for settlement based on equitable distribution factors.
- Court Hearings and Resolution: Attend required hearings. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge for a final decree.
Penalties, Timelines, and Costs in New Kent County
In New Kent County, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves specific financial costs and court-ordered obligations like child support and alimony based on statutory factors.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact / Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (separation) | 2-4 months; ~$86 filing fee + service costs | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months; additional motion & discovery costs | Possible pendente lite hearings for temporary orders |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | 12-24 months; forensic accountant fees may apply | Business valuation, retirement asset division |
| Child Custody Dispute | Best Interests of Child (10 factors) | Varies; Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting plan, possible relocation restrictions |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Ongoing until emancipation; modifiable upon change | Wage garnishment possible for enforcement |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on general Virginia law and past firm experience. Each case is unique.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing a unique advantage in property division cases. Our Richmond location serves the New Kent County area.
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
Documented 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 these matters. These results include cases involving divorce, custody, and support issues resolved in New Kent County courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation 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 communities of 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. 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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
Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub |
Henrico County Divorce Lawyer |
Chesterfield County Divorce Lawyer |
New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer |
Attorney Bryan Block Profile |
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.