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 in the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, including each spouse’s contributions and economic circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in New Kent County
Family law matters in New Kent County are governed by the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. The firm was founded in 1997 by the former prosecutor.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
New Kent County Family Court Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 12001 Courthouse Circle. 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: File a divorce complaint with the Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging service of process.
- Response Period: The other party has 21 days to file an answer after being served with the complaint.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial documents. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings: Attend any necessary pendente lite (temporary) hearings or, if no agreement is reached, a final trial before a judge.
- Final Decree: The judge enters a final decree of divorce, incorporating any settlement agreements and court orders.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters follow equitable distribution principles with no-fault divorce available after a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Offense/Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Property division per agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-Fault or Fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + litigation costs | Court-ordered property & support |
| Complex Divorce (Business Assets) | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Business valuation required |
| Child Custody Dispute | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Court costs + GAL ($500-$2,500+) | Parenting plan established |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. The firm’s tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.” Mr. Sris, the founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct legislative experience provides a unique 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
Documented 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 with negotiated property settlements, child custody agreements, and favorable support determinations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
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 County and serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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.
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 – Parent hub page for Virginia family law.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in a nearby Virginia locality.
- New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area in the same locality.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Richmond Office Location Page
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.