Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. For divorce, Virginia requires a 6-month separation period 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, 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’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). New Kent County family law cases are heard at the New Kent County General District Court website for certain matters, with divorces handled in Circuit Court.
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.
- Consult with an attorney to evaluate your grounds for divorce and identify all marital assets.
- File a complaint for divorce with the New Kent County Circuit Court and pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through the sheriff ($12) or a private process server.
- Attend any pendente lite hearings for temporary support and custody within 21-60 days if filed.
- Complete discovery, including financial disclosures and potentially business valuations.
- Attend final hearing or settle through mediation or a property settlement agreement.
New Kent County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In New Kent County, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves significant financial consequences including equitable distribution of all marital property, potential spousal support, and child support calculated using Virginia guidelines.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Simplified Procedure | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Property agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Standard Litigation | 9-18 months | Court costs + attorney fees | Possible temporary orders |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Valuation experts + mediation | Business asset division |
| Child Custody Dispute | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | Custody evaluation possible |
Results may vary based on individual case 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). Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. We provide case-specific approaches for New Kent County family law matters.
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. Our experience includes successful property division settlements, child custody arrangements, and spousal support resolutions in New Kent County Circuit Court.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Family Law Representation in New Kent County
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, 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 — 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 (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.
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 Services
For more information about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In New Kent County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.