Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in New Kent County, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Our firm has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division for clients in New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
In New Kent County, divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Family law matters in New Kent County are governed by the Virginia Code. The primary statutes 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, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). For court-specific information, forms, and procedures, 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. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District 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 a Complaint for Divorce or other appropriate pleading with the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The sheriff or a private process server will serve the complaint on your spouse. They have 21 days to file an Answer.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at the New Kent County Courthouse.
Penalties and Legal Standards in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property division, child support guidelines based on income, and the “best interests of the child” standard for custody.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Typical Timeline / Outcome | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | No-fault based on separation | 2-4 months | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | Court fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 12-24 months if complex | Varies based on asset value; forensic accountant: $2,500+ |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on combined gross income | Established at filing or hearing | Monthly obligation based on income shares |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Determined at hearing or trial | Temporary or permanent monthly payment |
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 has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to family law matters in New Kent County.
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 across all practice areas in New Kent County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters we have handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near New Kent County
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 Courthouse and Colonial Downs.
We 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.
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 – Our state hub page.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a neighboring locality.
New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – A different practice area in New Kent.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile
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.