Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in New Kent County, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The firm has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
In New Kent County, a no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children.
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. 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. Spousal support considers 13 factors listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current information, consult these official government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia family law statutes.
- New Kent County General District Court Website – Official court information, forms, and contact details.
New Kent County Family Court Process
Family law cases in New Kent County are heard in two courts. The Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action at the New Kent County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100). Proof of service must be filed with the court.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. The court may refer the case to mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to attempt settlement.
- Prepare for trial or final hearing: If settlement fails, prepare for trial. For uncontested cases with an agreement, attend a brief final hearing before a judge to obtain the divorce decree.
Divorce Penalties and Costs in New Kent County
In New Kent County, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential support obligations, and equitable distribution of marital assets and debts.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or fault grounds | Filing fee: ~$86 + service fees | Dissolution of marriage |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of assets/debts; business valuation costs | Potential loss of marital home, retirement accounts |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly payments based on income & custody | Enforceable by contempt |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Potential temporary or permanent payments | Tax implications; modifiable based on change |
| Custody Dispute | Best interests of child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting schedule; decision-making authority |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are not guarantees. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement in shaping the law provides a deep, practical understanding of property division arguments that benefit clients in New Kent County.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and other cases.
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). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60, near Colonial Downs Racetrack. Our family law lawyer near New Kent County represents clients in 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.
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). 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.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page for family law information.
Henrico County Divorce Lawyer – Family law attorney in a neighboring county.
New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about the managing attorney.
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.