Family Law Lawyer New Kent County, VA
Your marriage has ended, and you live in a rural stretch of New Kent County between Richmond and Williamsburg. You and your spouse have decided to separate, but now the practical questions start piling up: who stays in the house, how will custody of your children be decided, and how will your retirement accounts and the family business be split. You need someone who understands how Virginia family law works and how the local courts operate, and you want to make sure your rights are protected. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrate their practice on family law matters and represent clients throughout New Kent County. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy Options for Your Family Law Matter
In New Kent County, family law cases can be resolved in several ways, and the path you choose affects timing, cost, and the level of conflict. You and your spouse may be able to reach a mutual agreement on all issues—property division, spousal support, custody, and visitation—and have that agreement incorporated into a final decree. This uncontested route typically proceeds more quickly and reduces legal expenses. If you cannot agree, you may participate in mediation, where a neutral third party helps both sides work toward a settlement; mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. When no agreement is possible, the matter proceeds to trial before the New Kent County Circuit Court (for divorce and property division) or the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (for custody, support, and protective orders). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate each case to determine which strategy fits your circumstances and goals.
What to Expect When You Work with Us
After you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we will discuss the facts of your situation during a consultation. If you decide to move forward, we will prepare the necessary pleadings—a Complaint for divorce filed with the New Kent County Circuit Court, or a petition for custody or support filed in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Because Virginia courts follow the equitable distribution model, we will help you identify and value all marital and separate property and present your position on a fair division. If temporary support or custody orders are needed while your case is pending, we can request a pendente lite hearing. Throughout the process, we keep you informed about court dates, discovery obligations, and any settlement opportunities. Our goal is to resolve your matter as efficiently and favorably as possible, given the specific facts and the court’s calendar.
How Virginia Law Handles Divorce, Custody, and Support
Virginia is not a community property state; it divides marital assets equitably, which means fairly but not necessarily equally. The court weighs eleven statutory factors, including the duration of the marriage, the contributions of each spouse, and the circumstances that led to the divorce. Grounds for divorce include both no-fault—a separation of one year, or six months if you have no minor children and have signed a separation agreement—and fault grounds such as adultery, cruelty, willful desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment exceeding one year. Child custody is determined using the trusted-interests-of-the-child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which considers ten factors including each parent’s relationship with the child and any history of abuse. Spousal support and child support are governed by statutory guidelines, though the court can deviate when appropriate. At the New Kent County courthouse, located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124, the Circuit Court handles divorce and equitable distribution, while the J&DR court addresses standalone custody and support matters.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has concentrated his practice on family law, criminal defense, and related litigation since 1997. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings a distinctive understanding of courtroom dynamics and evidence presentation to every case. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), legislation that revised certain provisions of Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He works alongside a team of experienced Of Counsel attorneys who are engaged through Excella and who also focus on family law and civil litigation. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, based on 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in New Kent County, Virginia?
The timeline for a divorce in New Kent County depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement and no minor children can be finalized within a few months after the required six-month separation period has run. A contested divorce involving disputes over custody, support, or property division normally takes much longer—often nine to eighteen months or more—because of discovery, motions practice, trial scheduling, and the court’s calendar. Every case is different, and the time can also be affected by the completeness of your financial disclosures and the willingness of both parties to negotiate. For a more specific estimate based on your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How is property divided in a Virginia divorce?
Virginia follows the equitable distribution model, not a 50/50 community property rule. The judge identifies each asset as separate or marital, values it, and then divides the marital estate based on eleven factors. Separate property—items owned before the marriage or acquired by gift or inheritance—stays with the original owner. Marital property includes most assets and debts acquired during the marriage. The court’s decision can be influenced by each spouse’s contributions, the length of the marriage, and any fault that contributed to the breakdown. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel present evidence and arguments aimed at a distribution that reflects your contributions and needs.
What custody arrangement can I expect in New Kent County?
Custody decisions in New Kent County are driven by the best interests of the child, using ten statutory factors. These include each parent’s role in the child’s life, the child’s relationship with siblings, the mental and physical health of all parties, and any history of family abuse. The court generally prefers arrangements that allow the child to maintain a meaningful relationship with both parents, though the specifics vary widely. The New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles initial custody and support determinations, while the Circuit Court addresses custody within the divorce decree. To discuss the details of your custody matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in New Kent County?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer for an uncontested divorce, but counsel can help ensure your separation agreement is thorough and enforceable. Many people choose to work with an attorney to avoid mistakes that could later cause problems with property division, tax implications, or retirement account transfers. A lawyer can also confirm that your agreement meets all Virginia statutory requirements and that the final decree is entered correctly. Even in a friendly divorce, an overlooked detail can create future disputes. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Can I get spousal support or child support while my case is pending?
Yes, Virginia courts can award temporary spousal or child support, known as pendente lite relief, while the case is in progress. A party files a motion for pendente lite relief, and the court schedules a hearing to determine the amount based on the financial needs of the requesting party and the other party’s ability to pay. These temporary orders remain in effect until the final decree is issued or the court modifies them. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help you request pendente lite relief if immediate financial support is necessary.
What if my spouse lives in another state or country?
If your spouse lives outside Virginia, the divorce process can still move forward, though additional steps may be required. Virginia has jurisdiction if one of you meets the six-month residency requirement under Va. Code § 20-97. Service of process on an out-of-state spouse must comply with applicable rules, which may involve methods such as service through the Hague Service Convention or, if authorized, alternative service like publication. International cases can add complexity, but Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience handling cross-border family law matters. Results may vary.
Additional Resources
Fairfax County family law attorney · Prince William County family law lawyer · Manassas family law representation
Primary sources: Virginia Code Title 20 – Domestic Relations · Virginia Judicial System
By appointment only. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Richmond Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009. Firm toll-free: (888) 437-7747.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.