Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The key laws include 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., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This amendment reflects his deep involvement in shaping family law in the state. The firm was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current Virginia family law statutes, refer to the official Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific procedures and forms, visit the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Law Process
Family law cases in New Kent County follow specific local procedures. 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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter. Bring relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, any existing agreements.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint (divorce) or petition (custody, support) at New Kent County Circuit Court or J&DR Court. Pay the filing fee (approximately $86 for divorce).
- Service of process and response period: The other party is served with the legal documents. They have 21 days to file an answer. If they do not respond, you may seek a default judgment.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information and other evidence. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend scheduled hearings for temporary orders, mediation, or trial. The court issues a final order resolving all issues. The divorce decree becomes final after any appeal period.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific procedures and costs rather than criminal penalties. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service | Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | Filing + attorney fees | Circuit Court |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing + valuation experts | Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Filing + Guardian ad Litem | J&DR Court |
Results may vary based on case specifics. The information above provides general guidelines.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in family law development.
Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to family law representation in New Kent County. We combine broad legal knowledge with specific understanding of local court procedures.
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 divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters handled at New Kent County Circuit Court and J&DR Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. Our family law lawyer near New Kent County provides representation for residents throughout the area.
We serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. Our Richmond location is near Colonial Downs Racetrack/Rosie’s and Williamsburg.
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). New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124) handles all property division. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Resources
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law.
If you need other legal services in New Kent County, consider our criminal defense lawyer or DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.