Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
In New Kent County, a no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are defined in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows the equitable distribution principles of Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using the 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 laws, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For New Kent County court information, visit the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Law Process
Family law cases in New Kent County are heard in the Circuit Court for divorce and property matters, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- 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 will file a divorce complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Your lawyer will negotiate a property settlement and parenting plan, potentially using mediation.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders. For an uncontested case, attend a brief final hearing. The judge will enter the final decree of divorce.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific costs and timelines, not criminal penalties. An uncontested divorce with a signed agreement typically takes 2-4 months, while a contested divorce can take 9-18 months.
| Matter | Classification | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Civil Action | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Service fees, notary |
| Contested Divorce | Civil Action | 9-18 months | ~$86 | Discovery, experienced witnesses |
| Child Custody (J&DR) | Civil Action | 3-12 months | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Equitable Distribution | Civil Action | 12-24 months | Included | Forensic accountant, business valuator |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Authority and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative involvement in family 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
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. These results include divorces, custody agreements, and property settlements.
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 County, serving 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation before filing for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, a Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in New Kent County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. Standalone custody cases are heard in J&DR Court; custody within divorce is handled in Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In New Kent County, we also handle Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI cases. 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.