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 filings. 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 the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia is not a community property state; marital assets are divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in New Kent County is defined by the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). The law requires a separation period before filing for no-fault divorce: six months if there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or one year if there are minor children. Fault grounds, such as adultery, cruelty, or desertion, have no mandatory waiting period.
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 Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific procedures and forms, refer to the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Law Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce at the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) serve the complaint on the other party.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial information. Negotiate a settlement covering property, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders within 21-60 days. Prepare for trial if no settlement is reached.
- Final Decree: Obtain a final decree of divorce after meeting all statutory requirements, including the separation period.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties, based on fairness under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Consequence | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault after 6-month/1-year separation; fault grounds available | Court fee: ~$86; Service: $12-$100 |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (fair, not equal) per 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Varies by asset value; business valuation may be needed |
| Child Support | Calculated via VA guidelines based on combined gross income | Monthly obligation based on income shares |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 statutory factors including need and ability to pay | Temporary or permanent; modifiable based on change in circumstances |
| Custody Dispute | Best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 (10 factors) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+; Mediation: $100-$300/hour |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 matters resolved through dismissal, reduction of charges, or favorable settlement.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
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 serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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 Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In New Kent County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI matters. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.