In New Kent County, Virginia, divorce and family law matters are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in New Kent County, with 11 documented case results across all practice areas.
Family Law Lawyer New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia family law is governed by Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Divorce in New Kent County requires meeting residency and separation requirements under Va. Code § 20-91. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris) governs the division of marital property. Child custody follows the experienced interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.2, and child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines under § 20-108.1. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under § 20-107.1.
Last verified: May 2026 | New Kent County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce and family law statutes, visit the official Virginia Legislative Information System: Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
For New Kent County Circuit Court procedures and forms, visit the Virginia Judicial System website: New Kent County Circuit Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In New Kent County Circuit Court, judges routinely expect parties to have attempted mediation before trial. We have observed that cases with a signed property settlement agreement resolve 3-4 times faster than those without one.
- File the divorce complaint at New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle).
- Serve the other spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Exchange financial disclosures and property valuations.
- Attend mediation to resolve custody, support, and property issues.
- Sign a property settlement agreement if all issues are resolved.
- Attend the final hearing to obtain the divorce decree.
In New Kent County, family law matters involve legal standards rather than criminal penalties, but non-compliance with court orders can result in contempt findings, fines, and even incarceration.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Consequences for Non-Compliance | Filing Fee | Timeline | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month or 1-year separation | Dismissal if separation not proven | ~$86 | 2-4 months (uncontested) | Corroborating witness required |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Modification of custody order | Varies | 3-6 months (contested) | Guardian ad Litem may be appointed |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines (combined gross income) | Wage garnishment, license suspension | Varies | 30-60 days (administrative) | Modification available for changed circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Contempt, fines, incarceration | Varies | 3-6 months | Modifiable upon material change |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Court order to transfer property | Included in divorce filing | 9-18 months (contested) | Business valuation may be required |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented results in New Kent County: 5 dismissed or not guilty, 6 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results include traffic, criminal, and drug offense cases, demonstrating the firm’s broad litigation experience in New Kent County General District Court.
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 25 miles from New Kent County Circuit Court, with access via I-64 and Route 33.
Family Law Lawyer near New Kent County.
Serving 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. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in New Kent County
How long does a divorce take in New Kent County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and New Kent County Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex and high-net-worth matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at New Kent County General District Court.
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 experienced 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.
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Learn more about our services: Norfolk Military Divorce Lawyer Virginia (state hub).
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Last verified: May 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in Virginia family law and New Kent County court procedures.