Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
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.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Family law in New Kent County is defined by the Virginia Code. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property, Va. Code § 20-108.1 for child support guidelines, and Va. Code § 20-124.2 for determining the child’s best interests in custody cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings direct experience with these statutes, including Mr. Sris’s personal amendment to the equitable distribution law.
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 Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) – The official Virginia family law statutes.
- New Kent County Courts Website – For local court forms, rules, and contact information.
New Kent County Family Court Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders are filed in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. 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 case specifics. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a property settlement and parenting plan, potentially using mediation.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders. For an uncontested case, attend a brief final hearing. The judge will enter the final decree of divorce.
Penalties and Legal Standards in New Kent County
In New Kent County, divorce and family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution standard; marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-Fault or Fault Grounds | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | 6-month or 1-year separation required for no-fault |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of marital assets/debts | Separate property excluded; factors include marriage duration, contributions |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Based on combined gross income & number of children | Health insurance and childcare costs factored in |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 Statutory Factors | Duration and amount vary by case | Factors include need, ability to pay, standard of living |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law cases in New Kent County. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement with the law provides a deep understanding of its application in New Kent County Circuit Court.
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.
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), 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 — 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?
An 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. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation before filing for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
The New Kent County Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Total cost depends 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 relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; custody within divorce goes to Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with an 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 Services
If you need assistance with other legal matters in New Kent County, please explore our related pages:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub – Information on family law across Virginia.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Representation in a neighboring locality.
- New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Help with criminal charges in the same area.
- Learn more about Mr. Sris – Profile of the managing attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is updated from court records and statutes as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.