Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
In New Kent County, family law matters are heard at the New Kent County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support issues.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. 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, as defined in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows the equitable distribution principles of Va. Code § 20-107.3, which considers 11 factors to achieve a fair, but not necessarily equal, division of marital assets. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current information, refer to these official government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia statute.
- New Kent County General District Court Website – Court information and procedures.
New Kent County Family Law Process
Family law cases in New Kent County follow a structured process. The New Kent County Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle handles all divorce and property division matters.
- Initial Consultation and Case Assessment: Discuss your goals for divorce, custody, or support with an attorney to understand Virginia’s legal requirements and your options.
- Filing the Complaint: Your lawyer files the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the correct New Kent County court and ensures proper service to the other party.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial disclosures. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on all issues, which may involve mediation.
- Court Hearings and Resolution: Attend required hearings. An uncontested case proceeds to a final hearing. A contested case may go to trial before a judge.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law involves specific procedures rather than penalties. Virginia requires a separation period before no-fault divorce and uses equitable distribution for property division.
| Matter | Legal Standard / Classification | Typical Timeline | Court Costs & Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (Separation) | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + potential experienced costs |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair Division (11 factors) | 12-24 months (complex) | Filing fees + business valuator/forensic accountant |
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 to every case. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. In New Kent County, we have a documented record of 11 case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for our clients.
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 in New Kent County across all practice areas, maintaining a 100% favorable outcome rate for our clients in this locality. Our approach combines detailed case preparation with strategic negotiation and, when necessary, assertive courtroom advocacy.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
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 the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All meetings are 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 typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period before filing for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
The New Kent County Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process (~$12), potential Guardian ad Litem fees for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is usually 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 factors like each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and the child’s needs. Standalone custody cases are filed in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, while custody within a divorce is handled by Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children + agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Fault can impact property division and support.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, please visit:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub – Overview of family law across Virginia.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Representation in a neighboring locality.
- New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Help with related legal matters.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our Of Counsel attorney.
- Our Richmond Office – Details about our serving location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is updated regularly from official sources, but laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.