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 filed at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in New Kent County
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody uses the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using statewide guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting provides an advantage in complex financial divorce cases.
Official Legal Resources
New Kent County Family Court Process
The New Kent County Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and support cases.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a Complaint for Divorce or other pleadings with the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The other party is served with the complaint. They have 21 days to file an Answer. Pendente lite motions for temporary support can be filed.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiation or mediation attempts to reach a settlement on property, support, and custody.
- Trial or Final Hearing: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at the New Kent County Circuit Court for a final decision.
New Kent County Family Law Penalties and Costs
In New Kent County, family law matters involve court costs and specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property and guidelines for child support.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Court Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds under Va. Code § 20-91 | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + possible experienced fees |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | 3-12 months | Filing fee + possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor test (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 12-24 months if complex | Filing fee + business valuation/forensic accountant fees |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court decisions.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings specific authority to Virginia family law. Founded in 1997, the firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This direct involvement in shaping the law provides a deep understanding of property division arguments that benefit clients in New Kent County Circuit Court.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
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.
New Kent County Family Law 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 these matters. These results include divorces, custody agreements, and property settlements handled at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Nearby locality
- New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
- Richmond Office Location
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.