Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce if you have no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not automatically 50/50. The primary statutes governing your case are Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 and a former prosecutor, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into the legislative intent behind Virginia’s property division law.
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 Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For court-specific procedures and forms, 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. Standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders are handled by the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. 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 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. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody to potentially avoid trial.
- 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 at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards in New Kent County
In New Kent County, divorce carries specific procedural requirements and financial obligations, not criminal penalties. Virginia law mandates a separation period before filing for no-fault divorce.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Timeline / Consequence | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Divorce (no minor children) | 6-month separation + signed agreement | 2-4 months (uncontested) | Filing fee: ~$86 + service costs |
| No-Fault Divorce (with minor children) | 1-year separation required | 9-18 months (contested) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Fault Divorce (e.g., adultery) | No waiting period | Varies by complexity | Increased litigation costs |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly obligation | Based on combined gross income |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
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. We have achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 provides our Virginia family law clients with a distinct strategic advantage. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to New Kent County cases.
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 for these matters. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and reductions in contested issues.
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. 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 a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing. Contested divorces typically take 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period before filing for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
The New Kent County Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Total cost depends on case complexity and cooperation between parties.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not automatically 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, providing our firm with unique insight.
How is child custody decided in New Kent County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors. New Kent County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases. The Circuit Court handles custody within divorce proceedings.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from court records and Virginia statutes. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.