Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
In New Kent County, family law cases are heard at the New Kent County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and at the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support matters.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 outlines the grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily equally—based on 11 statutory factors. Child custody determinations are made under Va. Code § 20-124.3, focusing on the child’s best interests. Child support is calculated using the statewide guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.2. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to these complex matters.
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 Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Information about the New Kent County courts, including forms and procedures, can be found on the New Kent County Combined Courts website.
New Kent County Family Law Process
Family law cases in New Kent County follow a defined path through the court system. Divorce and property division are handled by the New Kent County Circuit Court, while initial custody, visitation, and child support matters are often heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
- 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 Complaint for Divorce or other appropriate pleading with the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The other party is served with the complaint. They have 21 days to file an Answer. Temporary support or custody motions may be filed if needed.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Mediation or Trial: If settlement is not reached, the court may order mediation. If mediation fails, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Final Decree: The judge issues a Final Decree of Divorce, which outlines all rulings on property, support, and custody. This document is filed with the court clerk.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences in New Kent County
In New Kent County, divorce and family law matters involve significant financial and personal consequences, not criminal penalties. Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 divides marital assets and debts fairly based on factors like marriage length and contributions.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Potential Outcomes | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or Fault | Dissolution of marriage, property division | Court costs ($86+), attorney fees, division of assets/debts |
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (11 factors) | Division of marital property & debts | Loss of assets, potential buyouts, valuation costs |
| Spousal Support | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (13 factors) | Temporary or permanent support orders | Monthly payments, tax implications |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Legal & physical custody arrangements | Parenting time, decision-making authority |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Monthly support obligation | Income-based payments, healthcare/childcare add-ons |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys possess over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm unique insight into property division law. We have a documented record of 11 case results in New Kent County across all practice areas. Our Richmond location serves clients throughout 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
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 favorable resolutions in family law cases such as divorces and custody matters.
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. 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.
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 clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with other matters in New Kent County, consider our criminal defense or DUI/DWI defense services. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.