Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). New Kent County family law cases are heard at the New Kent County General District Court website for forms, rules, and contact information.
New Kent County Family Court Procedures
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 12001 Courthouse Circle. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court addresses standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter. Bring relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, any existing agreements.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files the appropriate pleading (divorce complaint, custody petition) at New Kent County Circuit Court or J&DR Court. Pay the filing fee (approximately $86 for divorce).
- Service of process and response period: The other party is served with the legal documents. They have 21 days to file an answer. If they don’t respond, you may seek a default judgment.
- Discovery and negotiation phase: Both sides exchange financial information and other evidence. Your attorney negotiates for settlement on property division, support, and custody matters.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend any required hearings (pendente lite, settlement conferences). If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at New Kent County Circuit Court.
New Kent County Family Law Penalties and Costs
In New Kent County, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties, with divorce filing fees starting at approximately $86 and additional costs for process service, Guardian ad Litem appointments ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Primary Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 filing + process service |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fees + discovery costs + possible experienced fees |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | 3-9 months | Filing fees + possible Guardian ad Litem |
| Complex Property Division | Circuit Court | 12-24 months | Filing fees + forensic accountant + business valuator |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and 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). The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline reflects our approach: “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
New Kent County Case Results
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. These results include divorces with complex property division, child custody modifications, and spousal support determinations handled at New Kent County Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local 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. As a family law lawyer near New Kent County Courthouse and Colonial Downs Racetrack, we represent clients throughout 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). New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124) handles all property division. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Resources
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. If you need other legal services in New Kent County, consider 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 current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.