Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. The primary statutes 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 personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into this critical statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Legal Resources
New Kent County Family Court Procedures
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 12001 Courthouse Circle. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File divorce complaint with New Kent County Circuit Court clerk ($86 fee).
- Serve the other party with process through sheriff ($12) or private server.
- Exchange financial disclosures and complete discovery phase.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support/custody orders.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation if settlement isn’t reached.
- Proceed to trial before Circuit Court judge if necessary.
New Kent County Family Law Penalties and Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or fault grounds | Circuit Court | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-18 months (contested) | $86 filing + service fees |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Circuit Court | 12-24 months if complex | Valuation experts: $2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | J&DR or Circuit Court | 3-9 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | J&DR or Circuit Court | 1-3 months | Minimal court costs |
| Spousal Support | 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Circuit Court | Determined at final hearing | Varies by complexity |
Results may vary based on case specifics. The information above provides general guidelines.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience with 4,739+ case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving us unique insight into property division law. We serve New Kent County clients from our Richmond location.
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 Family Law 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. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
New Kent County Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We are a family law lawyer near New Kent County Courthouse and Colonial Downs Racetrack.
We serve the New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton communities.
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.
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.
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). Separate property 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 and the child’s relationship with each parent.
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).
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – State hub page
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer – Nearby locality
- New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from Virginia General Assembly and New Kent County court records. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.