Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court-specific information, refer to the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Court Process
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.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the complaint to your spouse within 120 days of filing.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to resolve issues without trial.
- Attend the final hearing: Present your case before the judge. For uncontested divorces, bring a signed separation agreement and a corroborating witness.
Divorce Penalties and Costs in New Kent County
In New Kent County, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs, potential spousal support, and equitable distribution of assets.
| Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | $86 filing fee + service costs | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | $86+ filing, GAL fees $500-$2,500+ | 9-18 months |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | Forensic accountant fees, mediation costs | 12-24 months |
| Child Custody Dispute | Best interests standard | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | Varies by case |
Results may vary. Each case depends on 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 and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
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 documented case results in New Kent County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Office
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 serving 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
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.