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 across all practice areas. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division matters filed at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods of six months or one year. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided. Child custody is determined based on 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
For the full text of Virginia’s family laws, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Court Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District 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 divorce, custody, or support complaint at the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk’s office. Pay the filing fee (approximately $86 for divorce).
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the legal papers to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Attend mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) if ordered or agreed upon.
- Prepare for trial or settlement: Work with your attorney to prepare for a final hearing or negotiate a property settlement agreement to resolve all issues.
- Obtain the final order: Attend the final uncontested hearing or trial. The judge will enter a final decree of divorce, custody order, or support order.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific procedures and potential outcomes rather than criminal penalties. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
| Matter | Classification | Typical Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + discovery costs | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing fees + experienced fees | May require business valuators or forensic accountants |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Handled by J&DR Court or Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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 a unique depth of understanding in property division cases. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of Virginia family law.
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 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 Representation
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 County and the Colonial Downs area.
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 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. A pendente lite hearing for temporary orders is usually set within 21-60 days of the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Sheriff service costs about $12; a private process server costs $50-$100. Additional costs may include a Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, 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 and the child’s relationship with each parent. Standalone custody cases are handled by the J&DR Court; custody within divorce is handled by Circuit Court.
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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.