Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
In New Kent County, divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Family law matters in New Kent County are governed by specific Virginia statutes. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), Va. Code § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and Va. Code § 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, consult these official government resources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia family law statutes from the Virginia General Assembly.
- New Kent County General District Court – Official court website for case information and procedures.
New Kent County Family Law Procedures
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 12001 Courthouse Circle. 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.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. Once resolved, the court enters a final decree of divorce.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters follow equitable distribution principles, not community property. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (Failure to pay support) | Civil / Criminal Contempt | Up to 10 days jail per occurrence | Court costs + arrears | Driver’s license suspension, professional license suspension, passport denial |
| Violation of Protective Order | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months jail | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory arrest, no contact orders, firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has 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, demonstrating deep legislative involvement in family 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
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. 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 Family Law Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the 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 Courthouse and Colonial Downs Racetrack.
We serve the New Kent County area and surrounding communities including 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page for family law information.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Representation in neighboring Henrico County.
New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
Richmond Office Location – Our serving location for New Kent County.
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.