Family Law Lawyer New Kent County, VA

Last reviewed: June 2026

Strategy Options for Your Family Law Matter

Family law issues in New Kent County rarely follow a single path. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate your situation to identify the approach that fits your priorities. For some clients, an uncontested divorce under Va. Code § 20-91(9) allows a cooperative separation after meeting the required separation period. When children are involved, custody and support can often be resolved through a signed separation agreement, avoiding a trial in the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. For more complex matters — such as a high-asset equitable distribution case or a contested fault-based divorce — the firm prepares for litigation in the New Kent County Circuit Court. Mediation is available when both parties wish to negotiate, but the firm is ready to present a well-prepared case at hearing when necessary.

Regardless of the path, the firm helps clients understand the benefits and risks of each option. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team have handled matters across multiple practice areas since 1997, and they use that experience to guide family law clients through the New Kent County courts. Results may vary.

What to Expect When You Work with Our Firm

When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about your family law matter in New Kent County, the process begins with a confidential consultation. At that meeting, you speak with Mr. Sris or an Of Counsel attorney about your situation. The conversation covers the facts of your case, the legal framework under Virginia Code Title 20, and the next steps. The firm does not make promises about specific timelines or outcomes; instead, you receive a straightforward assessment of what the court process looks like and what issues may arise.

After the consultation, if you choose to move forward, the firm handles the necessary pleadings — a Complaint for divorce filed in the New Kent County Circuit Court, a custody petition in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, or a motion to modify support. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear in court on your behalf, manage discovery, and negotiate with opposing counsel or an unrepresented spouse. The timeline depends on the complexity of the issues, the court’s calendar, and whether the matter is contested. Throughout the case, you have a point of contact at the firm who can answer your questions.

Family Law Penalty and Consequence Overview

Because family law is a civil matter, “penalties” in the traditional sense — criminal fines or jail time — do not apply. However, the consequences of a family law proceeding can be significant. A divorce decree brings the marriage to an end and divides marital assets and debts. A custody order determines where your children live and how parenting time is structured. A support order establishes monthly obligations that continue for years. A violation of a court order can lead to contempt proceedings, which in Virginia may result in fines, attorney’s fee awards, or, in extreme cases, incarceration until compliance. The New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and the Circuit Court both have authority to enforce their own orders.

Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Under Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, the court classifies property as marital, separate, or hybrid and then divides it fairly based on eleven statutory factors. The classification and valuation of assets — especially business interests, retirement accounts, or real estate — can have long-term financial repercussions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to protect your interests while the court resolves these issues. The firm also helps clients understand how a fault ground (such as adultery or cruelty) may affect spousal support or property division.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he has practiced family law since establishing the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), which revised Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. His legal work is informed by his accounting and information systems background, which is a valuable asset in complex property division cases.

Mr. Sris is supported by a team of seasoned attorneys, each designated as Of Counsel. Together, they bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters, and the firm has achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The Of Counsel attorneys have backgrounds that include former prosecutorial service in Maryland and former law enforcement service as a Virginia State Trooper, offering a depth of understanding that helps clients anticipate how the other side may present its case. On your New Kent County family law matter, Mr. Sris leads the effort, and he and his Of Counsel handle the case collaboratively. You have the advantage of a multi‑state firm that appears regularly in the New Kent County courts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a divorce take in New Kent County, Virginia?

Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2‑6 months after filing, depending on the mandatory separation period and the New Kent County court calendar. Contested divorces — those with disputes over custody, support, or property — routinely take 9‑18 months. The timeline varies based on the complexity of the equitable distribution issues and the schedule of the New Kent County Circuit Court. A divorce that proceeds on fault grounds (adultery, cruelty) may move faster because no separation period is required, but evidentiary hearings still take time. For an uncontested no‑fault divorce under Va. Code § 20-91(9), the parties must first satisfy the separation period before the final decree can be entered. To discuss what timeline applies to your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County?

Costs vary, and the total amount depends on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested and whether you need additional professionals such as a guardian ad litem or mediator. The New Kent County Circuit Court requires a filing fee for a divorce complaint, and sheriff or private‑process‑server fees apply for service. If your case involves custody, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem, which adds to the expense. Attorney fees are arranged between you and the firm, and we discuss the fee structure at your initial consultation. Mediation, if used, also carries its own cost. For an estimate based on your circumstances, contact our location at (888) 437‑7747.

Is Virginia a community property state?

No, Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Under Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, the New Kent County Circuit Court divides marital property fairly — but not necessarily equally — after considering eleven statutory factors. Separate property (assets acquired before marriage, inherited, or received as a gift) is generally not divided. The distinction between marital and separate property can become complex, especially when separate property has been commingled or when one spouse contributed labor to increase the other’s separate property. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can evaluate the classification issues in your case.

How is child custody decided in New Kent County, Virginia?

Custody decisions in New Kent County are based on the best interests of the child, as set out in Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers ten factors, including each parent’s role in the child’s life, the child’s relationship with each parent, any history of abuse, and the child’s own preference if the child is of sufficient age and maturity. The New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody petitions, while custody within a divorce is decided by the Circuit Court. A guardian ad litem may be appointed to represent the child’s interests. Parents who can reach an agreement on custody and visitation can submit a proposed plan for court approval, which can reduce conflict and cost. India is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?

Virginia recognizes both no‑fault and fault grounds for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. The no‑fault ground is based on a separation period: six months if the parties have no minor children and have signed a separation agreement, or one year in other cases. Fault grounds include adultery (no separation period required), cruelty that creates a reasonable apprehension of bodily harm, willful desertion for one year, and conviction of a felony with imprisonment of more than one year. A fault‑based divorce can affect spousal support and property division. The complaint is filed in the New Kent County Circuit Court. For more on how the grounds apply to your situation, reach our location at (888) 437‑7747.

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Results may vary.
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