Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
New Kent County Family Court Process
Family law cases in New Kent County are heard in two courts: the Circuit Court (divorce, equitable distribution, spousal support) and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (standalone custody, visitation, child support, protective orders). Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation, review documents, and develop a strategy.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files the necessary documents (divorce complaint, custody petition) with the New Kent County Circuit Court or J&DR Court and pays the filing fee.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information and other evidence. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement agreement on property, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend required court hearings. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge for a final decision.
New Kent County Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In New Kent County, divorce and family law matters involve court costs, timelines based on case complexity, and legal standards like equitable distribution and the child’s best interests.
| Matter | Court / Classification | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee / Cost Range | Key Legal Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 + service fees | 6-month or 1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 + litigation costs | Fault or no-fault grounds |
| Child Custody | J&DR or Circuit Court | Varies | Filing fee + possible GAL ($500-$2,500+) | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) |
| Equitable Distribution | Circuit Court | 12-24 months if complex | Court costs + possible forensic accountant | 11 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) |
Results may vary. Each case is unique. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Family Law
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. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep involvement in the law itself provides a unique advantage in complex property division cases for New Kent County clients.
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
Case Results in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 total documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County. In family law, favorable outcomes include negotiated settlements that avoid trial, successful modifications of support orders, and custody arrangements established in the child’s best interests.
Results may vary. Each case is unique. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the 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 County and serve the communities of 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. 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
Last verified: March 2026. Information is updated from court records and statutes. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.