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 based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months without minor children or 1 year with children) and fault grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91. Child custody and support are determined based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3 and state guidelines.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1). The New Kent County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and contact details.
New Kent County Family Court Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Standalone custody, visitation, and child support cases are filed in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Consult with an attorney to review your grounds for divorce and goals for property, support, and custody.
- File a Complaint for Divorce with the New Kent County Circuit Court Clerk and pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through the sheriff, a private process server, or waiver of service.
- Exchange financial disclosures and participate in discovery, which may include business valuations for complex estates.
- Attend settlement conferences or mediation to attempt resolution of all issues.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial before a judge if an agreement cannot be reached.
New Kent County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In New Kent County, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential spousal support, and equitable division of marital assets and debts based on Virginia law.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, division based on 11 factors | Varies by marital estate value |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support order | Based on need and ability to pay |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Monthly payment based on combined income | Calculated using state formula |
| Court Costs | Filing and service fees | Required for case initiation | ~$86 filing + $12-$100 service |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial divorce cases. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law.
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 across all practice areas in New Kent County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces with resolved property division, child custody agreements, and support orders.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We are a family law lawyer near New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation or retirement assets can take 12-24 months. Temporary support and custody hearings are usually set within 21-60 days of a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Service of process costs about $12 via sheriff or $50-$100 for a private server. Additional costs may include Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+) for custody cases and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in New Kent County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. New Kent County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases, while the Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information on family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, see our pages for Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in New Kent County, consider our criminal defense lawyer or DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or our Richmond office location.
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.