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, which Mr. Sris personally amended; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved, under Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which our founder Mr. Sris helped amend. Child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and child support follows statewide guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
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 Virginia Code (law.lis.virginia.gov). For information about the New Kent County court handling family law matters, see the New Kent County General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
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 Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File a divorce, custody, or support complaint at the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend the initial scheduling conference where the judge sets deadlines for discovery and potential trial dates.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the formal discovery process as ordered by the court.
- Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Family Law Penalties and Costs in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law matters involve court costs and fees rather than criminal penalties; a divorce complaint filing fee is approximately $86 at the Circuit Court.
| Matter | Court | Typical Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | $86 filing + $12 service | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | $86 filing + attorney fees | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody (standalone) | J&DR Court | Filing fee + possible GAL ($500-$2,500+) | 3-12 months |
| Child Support Establishment | J&DR Court | Filing fee | 1-3 months |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court decisions.
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 and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
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. These results include divorces with equitable distribution agreements, child custody arrangements, and support orders.
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.
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
For more information about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in New Kent County, see our New Kent County criminal defense lawyer or New Kent County DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
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.