Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
In New Kent County, a no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in Virginia is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, outlines how marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily equally—based on 11 factors. Child custody determinations are made according to the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which lists 10 factors for the court to consider.
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 Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). For information about the New Kent County court handling these matters, see the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Law Process
Family law cases in New Kent County follow a structured process through the Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- 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 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 settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge. The court issues a final decree of divorce.
Family Law Penalties and Standards in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific financial standards and legal requirements, not criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property and statutory guidelines for child support based on combined gross income.
| Matter | Legal Standard / Classification | Financial Impact / Timeline | Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or Fault Grounds | Filing Fee: ~$86 + service costs | Circuit Court |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Based on 11 statutory factors; forensic valuation may be needed | Circuit Court |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Based on combined monthly gross income and custody schedule | J&DR or Circuit Court |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Duration and amount vary by need and ability to pay | Circuit Court |
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month or 1-year separation met | Timeline: 2-4 months from filing | Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing unique insight into property division law. Our approach is case-specific, built on direct legal experience rather than generic strategies.
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 successful resolutions in divorce, custody, and support matters.
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. We are a family law lawyer near New Kent County and serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with other matters in New Kent County, see our pages for Criminal Defense or DUI/DWI Defense. 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.