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 cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters in New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes that apply in New Kent County. 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 personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm direct insight into this critical area of law.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the most current Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). New Kent County family law cases are heard at the New Kent County General District Court, which provides court forms, filing information, and local rules.
New Kent County Family Court Procedures
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 12001 Courthouse Circle. New Kent County 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.
- File the complaint with New Kent County Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at the Circuit Court clerk’s office (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124) and pays the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party and await response: The sheriff or a process server delivers the complaint to your spouse. They have 21 days to file an answer or 60 days if served out of state.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, a pendente lite hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and attend settlement conferences: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. The court may order mediation or settlement conferences to resolve issues without trial.
- Final hearing or trial: If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to a final hearing before a judge at New Kent County Circuit Court for a decision on all issues.
New Kent County Family Law Penalties and Requirements
In New Kent County, divorce carries specific requirements: no-fault divorce after 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 | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + motion fees | Discovery, possible trial |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
| Child Custody Case | Best interests standard | 3-12 months | Filing fees + GAL fees | Guardian ad litem assessment |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of your case, court schedules, and other factors.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in New Kent County. We maintain a case-specific approach focused on achieving favorable resolutions through negotiation or litigation when necessary.
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
New Kent County Family Law 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. Our experience with New Kent County Circuit Court procedures helps us effectively handle divorce, custody, and property division matters.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of your case, court schedules, and other factors.
Family Law Representation in New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. As a family law lawyer near New Kent County, we represent clients throughout 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 Virginia Family Law Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in New Kent County, consider our criminal defense or DUI/DWI services. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.