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, support, and complex property division. We help you understand your rights and the local court process.
In New Kent County, family law matters are heard at the New Kent County Circuit Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce requires grounds under Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles in Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody is determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows the Virginia guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support is based on 13 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a unique perspective from both sides of the courtroom.
Official Legal Resources
New Kent County Family Court Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce, custody, or support complaint at the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk’s office. Pay the filing fee (approximately $86 for divorce).
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the legal papers to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, a hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. The court may order mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach an agreement.
- Prepare for trial: If no settlement is reached, prepare for a final hearing before a judge at the New Kent County Circuit Court to decide all issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, family law involves specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Classification | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing fees + forensic accountant ($150-$400/hr) |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is “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 in New Kent County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters we have handled.
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). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We are a family law lawyer near New Kent County and near Colonial Downs Racetrack.
We 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.
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 Resources
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.