Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
New Kent County divorce is governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault dissolution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. The commonwealth is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. No-fault divorce requires a separation period: 6 months with a signed property settlement agreement and no minor children, or 1 year with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia divorce laws, refer to the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and forms for New Kent County are available through the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Court Process
New Kent County Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders are handled by the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- 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.
- File the complaint with the court: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Attend final hearing or trial: For uncontested cases, attend a brief final hearing. For contested cases, prepare for trial where a judge will decide unresolved issues.
- Receive final decree: The court will issue a final decree of divorce, formalizing all orders regarding property, support, and custody.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves significant financial and custodial consequences under Virginia’s equitable distribution and child support guidelines.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Civil Proceeding | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs | 2-4 months | Property division per agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Civil Litigation | Court fees + attorney fees + experienced costs (GAL: $500-$2,500+) | 9-18 months | Court-ordered property division, support |
| Complex Divorce (Business Assets) | High-Asset Litigation | Substantial attorney fees + forensic accountant + business valuator | 12-24 months | Business valuation, stock option division |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. 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
Case Results in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local 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. We are a family law lawyer near New Kent County, serving New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. 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?
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). 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 Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In New Kent County, we handle other legal matters such as criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. 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.