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 cases. 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 filed at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Divorce requires either a 6-month separation with a signed agreement and no minor children, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) — official Virginia General Assembly statutes
- New Kent County General District Court website — court information and procedures
New Kent County Family Court Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. New Kent County 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 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.
- File the complaint: Your attorney files the divorce complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and temporary orders: Exchange financial information through discovery. File pendente lite motions for temporary support or custody if needed, with hearings typically within 21-60 days.
- Negotiation or mediation: Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). If successful, draft a property settlement agreement.
- Trial preparation: If settlement fails, prepare for trial. This may involve experienced witnesses like forensic accountants for business valuation.
- Final hearing and decree: Attend the final hearing at New Kent County Circuit Court. The judge issues the final decree of divorce, addressing all resolved issues.
Family Law Procedures and Costs
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific procedures and costs under Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce after 6-month or 1-year separation periods.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fees | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 + service fees | Minimal if agreement signed |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 + service fees | Discovery costs, experienced fees |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Circuit Court | 12-24 months | $86 + service fees | Forensic accountant ($150-$400/hr) |
| Child Custody (standalone) | J&DR Court | 3-9 months | $86 | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Pendente Lite Hearing | Circuit Court | 21-60 days from motion | Additional court costs | Attorney preparation time |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in New Kent County. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ firm-wide case results.
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
New Kent County Case Results
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 family law matters. Our experience includes successful resolution of contested divorces, complex property division cases, and child custody disputes in New Kent County Circuit Court.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
New Kent County Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We provide family law lawyer services near New Kent County Courthouse and Colonial Downs Racetrack.
We serve the New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton communities. Available for 24/7 phone consultations at (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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — state-wide family law hub
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — neighboring county representation
- Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer — nearby county services
- New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer — related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — former Virginia State Trooper
- Richmond Office Location — our serving location for New Kent County
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from Virginia General Assembly statutes and New Kent County court procedures. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.