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, and property division matters filed at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce if you have no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Family law in New Kent County is defined by the Virginia Code. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows the equitable distribution principles in Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute Mr. Sris helped amend. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests 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
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family laws, visit the Virginia General Assembly website. For New Kent County court information, forms, and procedures, see 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. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce at the New Kent County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, 12001 Courthouse Circle.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint served on your spouse by a sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If needed, attend a hearing for temporary orders, typically within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and other information.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Negotiate or use mediation to resolve issues without trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If no settlement, the case goes to a bench trial before a judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards in New Kent County
In New Kent County, divorce and family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system, with no-fault divorce available after a 6-month or 1-year separation, and fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, and desertion.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Timeline / Consequence | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (separation) | 2-4 months | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Litigated matter | 9-18 months | Court costs + attorney fees + possible experienced costs |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-asset divorce | 12-24 months | Business valuation, forensic accounting fees added |
| Child Support | Guideline calculation | Monthly obligation | Based on combined gross income & custody schedule |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary award | Temporary or permanent | Based on 13 statutory factors including need & ability to pay |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
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 and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our team direct insight into this critical area of 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
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 these matters. Our experience with the local court helps us pursue efficient resolutions.
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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a neighboring locality.
New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
Attorney Bryan Block – Learn more about our team.
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.