Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
In New Kent County, a no-fault 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.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. 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, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For accurate legal information, refer to these official government sources:
- 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 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.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file the divorce complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Hearings and Trial: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a New Kent County Circuit Court judge.
- Final Decree and Post-Judgment: The court issues a final divorce decree. Your attorney can assist with enforcement or modification of orders if circumstances change.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce available after 6-month or 1-year separations, and fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, and desertion.
| Offense/Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service | Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + trial costs | Circuit Court |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Forensic accountant fees | Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | J&DR Court |
| Pendente Lite Hearing | Temporary Orders | 21-60 days | Additional motion costs | Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Our Family Law Experience in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving us unparalleled insight into property division cases. We provide full representation for New Kent County family law matters with a focus on achieving favorable outcomes through negotiation or litigation.
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 divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters handled at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We represent clients throughout New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. Our office is accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60.
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 Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page for family law information.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney serving neighboring Henrico County.
New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense attorney serving New Kent County.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from Virginia General Assembly statutes and New Kent County court procedures. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.