
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital assets are divided fairly based on statutory factors.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Family law matters in New Kent County are governed by the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91, which outlines the grounds for divorce, and Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests, while child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support is evaluated under the 13 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, forms, and procedures, refer to the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Court Process
Family law cases in New Kent County are split between two courts. The New Kent County Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The New Kent County 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.
- Initial Consultation and Strategy: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your case details, goals, and the specific procedures of New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Filing the Complaint: File the divorce or custody complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process on your spouse.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information. Attempt to negotiate a settlement through a property settlement agreement to avoid trial.
- Court Hearings and Resolution: Attend any pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and, if necessary, a final hearing before a judge at the New Kent County Circuit Court for a decree.
Penalties and Legal Standards in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific legal standards and financial obligations rather than criminal penalties. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
| Issue | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact / Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or Fault Grounds | Filing Fee: ~$86; Timeline: 2-24 months | Separation period required for no-fault |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Marital property divided fairly | Separate property excluded; factors considered |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on income (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly obligation based on combined gross income | Enforceable by contempt; modifiable with change |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent award possible | Duration and amount vary by case |
| Custody Determination | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Legal & physical custody arrangements | Relocation may require court approval |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on general Virginia law and past experiences in New Kent County courts. Each case is unique.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
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 family law cases in New Kent County. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep, firsthand understanding of the law’s intent provides a strategic advantage in complex property division cases.
Mr. Sris
Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney
Bar Admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York.
Former prosecutor and firm founder with a background in accounting and information systems. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, and maintains a selective caseload for deep involvement in complex family law matters.
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 Experience 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 for these matters. This local track record demonstrates our familiarity with the procedures and personnel of the New Kent County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. As a family law lawyer near New Kent County, we serve 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?
Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
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 service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, a Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per 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 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 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; 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 and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub |
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer |
Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer |
New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer |
Attorney Bryan Block Profile |
Our Richmond Office
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures can change. For the most current guidance on your New Kent County family law matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
