Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The Commonwealth is an equitable distribution state, not community property, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris, giving our firm unique insight into its application. Child custody follows the “best interests of the child” standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering ten specific factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current statutory language, refer to the official Virginia Code: Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds). New Kent County court information, including forms and procedures, is available through the Virginia Courts website for New Kent County.
New Kent County Family Court Process
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. at (888) 437-7747. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint: Your attorney files the divorce complaint with New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle). Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, a pendente lite hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures. Negotiate a property settlement agreement. Consider mediation if issues remain unresolved.
- Final hearing or trial: For uncontested cases, attend a brief final hearing. For contested cases, prepare for trial where a judge decides all issues.
Family Law Outcomes and Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution standard; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Typical Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month/1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 12-24 months if complex | Business valuation + forensic accounting |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials and Experience
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), providing our firm with authoritative insight into property division cases. We maintain a focused caseload to ensure deep involvement in every New Kent County family law matter we handle.
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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters resolved at New Kent County Circuit Court.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond Location serves clients at 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 for residents of 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 Legal Services
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby jurisdictions, consider our Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in New Kent County, see our New Kent County criminal defense lawyer or New Kent County DUI/DWI lawyer pages. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.