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, child custody, and support. New Kent County Circuit Court applies these laws to local cases.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Divorce requires either a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). New Kent County family law cases are filed at the New Kent County General District Court website for procedural information and forms.
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.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint at New Kent County Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint with the Circuit Court clerk at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party with legal papers: The sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) delivers the complaint to your spouse within 120 days of filing.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of motion filing.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Final hearing or trial at Circuit Court: Attend the final uncontested hearing or, if no agreement is reached, proceed to trial before a judge at New Kent County Circuit Court.
New Kent County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In New Kent County, divorce carries specific filing costs and timelines, with property division based on equitable distribution principles under Virginia law.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Filing Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + $12 service | Property settlement agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + service + motion costs | Possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Marital property division | 12-24 months | All above + forensic accountant fees | Business valuation, retirement asset division |
| Child Custody Dispute | Best interests standard | Varies | J&DR Court filing fees | Guardian ad Litem, parenting classes |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our firm brings substantial knowledge to New Kent County family law matters. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision” reflects our approach to each case.
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 Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters we handle. These results include successful property division settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and negotiated support agreements.
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 County area including New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
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). 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.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page for Virginia family law information.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney serving neighboring Henrico County.
New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense attorney serving New Kent County.
Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about your New Kent County family law attorney.
Richmond Office Location – Our Richmond location serving New Kent County clients.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.