Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91, which outlines the grounds for divorce, and Va. Code § 20-107.3, which governs the equitable distribution of marital property. This statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris, requires courts to divide marital assets and debts fairly based on 11 specific factors, not necessarily equally. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests, while child support follows the 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 Title 20 (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 at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Standalone custody, visitation, and child support cases begin in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. 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 with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the formal discovery process to prepare for negotiation or trial.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Work with your attorney to negotiate a settlement agreement or attend mediation to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement is not possible, present your case at a bench trial before a New Kent County Circuit Court judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation, and child support is calculated using statewide guidelines.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Potential Outcome / Consequence | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or Fault Grounds | Dissolution of marriage; property division; potential spousal support | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs |
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Fair division of marital property & debts based on 11 factors | Varies by asset value; forensic valuation costs possible |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child (10 factors) | Legal & physical custody orders; parenting plan | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Monthly payment based on combined income & custody share | Ongoing monthly obligation; subject to modification |
| Spousal Support | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (13 factors) | Temporary or permanent support payments | Ongoing monthly obligation; duration varies |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on statutory law and typical procedures; individual case results depend on specific facts and evidence.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep, substantive involvement in shaping the law that governs divorce cases in New Kent County and across Virginia.
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
Documented Case Experience
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 cases involving divorce, custody disputes, and property division.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Family Law Representation in 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 for residents of 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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 | 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.