Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
New Kent County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault filings; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters in New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital assets are divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by several key statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests, while child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Support) – Official Virginia statute.
- New Kent County General District Court – Local court website.
New Kent County Family Law Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your case. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates a property settlement agreement to resolve issues like asset division and support.
- Court Proceedings: If agreement is not reached, the case proceeds to pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and potentially a final trial before a judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties, with outcomes based on statutory factors like the length of marriage and each spouse’s contributions.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | 6-month or 1-year separation | New Kent Circuit Court | 2-4 months |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | New Kent Circuit Court | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | New Kent J&DR Court | Varies |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | New Kent Circuit Court | 12-24 months (complex) |
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 has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in state 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 documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters handled.
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 County Courthouse and Colonial Downs.
We serve the New Kent County area and surrounding communities including 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 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 Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
- New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area in New Kent.
- Attorney Bryan Block 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 updated guidance.