Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. New Kent County Circuit Court applies these laws to local cases.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, providing unique insight into its application. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Child custody decisions follow Va. Code § 20-124.3, focusing on the child’s best interests through ten specific factors. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income and certain expenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Official Legal Resources
For the most current Virginia family law statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce) maintained by the Virginia General Assembly. New Kent County family law cases are filed at the New Kent County Circuit Court, which provides local rules and forms.
New Kent County Family Court Process
Family law matters in New Kent County are split between two courts. New Kent County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint at New Kent County Circuit Court: File the divorce complaint at New Kent County Circuit Court, 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a pendente lite motion. Hearings are typically set within 21-60 days at New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Attend final hearing or trial: For uncontested cases, attend a brief final hearing. For contested matters, prepare for trial at New Kent County Circuit Court before a judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific costs and timelines rather than criminal penalties, with divorce filing fees starting at approximately $86 at the Circuit Court.
| Matter | Court | Typical Cost Range | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | New Kent Circuit Court | $86 filing + service fees | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | New Kent Circuit Court | $86 filing + litigation costs | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody (standalone) | New Kent J&DR Court | Filing fees + possible GAL ($500-$2,500+) | 3-9 months |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | New Kent Circuit Court | Filing fees + forensic valuation | 12-24 months |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our team direct insight into this critical area of family law. Our Richmond location serves New Kent County clients with a focus on strategic, case-specific approaches.
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
New Kent County Case Results
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 family law matters handled. Our experience with New Kent County Circuit Court and J&DR Court procedures helps us handle local family law cases effectively.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Office Serving New Kent County
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, near Colonial Downs Racetrack and Williamsburg.
We are a family law lawyer near New Kent County, serving New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — By appointment only
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
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, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal services in New Kent County, consider our criminal defense or DUI/DWI defense attorneys. Learn more about our attorneys’ backgrounds.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.