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 across all practice areas. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
In New Kent County, divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Family law in Virginia is governed by specific statutes that determine how divorce, property division, child custody, and support are handled. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
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 § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Defines the grounds for divorce in Virginia.
- New Kent County General District Court website – Provides court location, hours, and contact information.
New Kent County Family Law Court Process
Family law cases in New Kent County are heard in 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 Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial Consultation and Case Assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case under Virginia law.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the New Kent County Circuit Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The other party is formally served with the complaint. They have 21 days to file an Answer. If they do not respond, you may seek a default judgment.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial documents and other relevant information. Your attorney will negotiate for a settlement agreement on property, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Trial: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to hearings (like pendente lite for temporary orders) and potentially a trial before a judge at the New Kent County Courthouse.
- Final Order and Decree: The court issues a final decree of divorce and orders on all resolved issues. Your attorney ensures the orders are properly drafted and entered.
Penalties and Legal Standards for Family Law in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property division, requires a separation period for no-fault divorce, and calculates child support using state guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Classification / Standard | Financial Impact / Consequence | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (separation) or Fault-based | Court filing fee: ~$86; Service fees: $12-$100+ | 6-month separation (no minor children + agreement) or 1-year separation required for no-fault. |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Marital property divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50. | Court considers 11 statutory factors; separate property excluded. |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Based on combined gross income and number of children. | Deviations possible for healthcare, childcare, education costs. |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary Based on 13 Factors | Duration and amount vary widely by case. | Factors include length of marriage, standard of living, earning capacity. |
| Custody Determination | Best Interests of the Child (10 factors) | Primary physical custody often determines child support recipient. | Factors include parental role, child’s relationships, history of abuse. |
Results may vary. Each family law 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 and has achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.” For New Kent County family law, Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 provides a deep, authoritative understanding of Virginia’s equitable distribution law.
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 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. 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.
Local Family Law Representation in 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 and the surrounding communities of 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 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
Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub – Learn more about family law across Virginia.
Henrico County Divorce & Family Lawyer – Representation in a neighboring county.
New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Help with related criminal charges.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our Of Counsel 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.