Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved (Va. Code § 20-91). Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests, outlined in Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using statewide guidelines based on combined parental income.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). For information about the New Kent County court handling these cases, see the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Law Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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 Filing: A complaint for divorce, custody, or support is filed with the New Kent County Circuit Court or J&DR Court, along with the required filing fee.
- Service of Process: The other party is formally served with the legal papers, either by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial disclosures. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on all issues.
- Court Hearings: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to hearings for temporary orders and, if necessary, a final trial.
- Final Order: The judge issues a final decree of divorce, custody order, or support order, resolving the case.
Family Law Outcomes and Considerations
In New Kent County, family law cases involve specific legal standards for divorce, property division, and child-related matters, with outcomes based on statutory factors and the child’s best interests.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or Fault grounds | 2-24 months | Separation period, grounds, agreement |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Varies | 11 statutory factors, contributions, debts |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies | 10 factors, parent-child relationship, safety |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Ongoing | Combined income, custody time, healthcare costs |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Varies | Need, ability to pay, standard of living, duration |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Our Firm’s Background in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the development of state family law. This background provides a significant advantage in complex property division cases.
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
Case Results in New Kent County
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. Our attorneys work to achieve positive resolutions in family law cases, whether through settlement negotiation or court presentation.
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, Route 249, and Route 60. 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. New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
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 is approximately $86.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal services in New Kent County, consider our criminal defense or DUI/DWI defense attorneys. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.