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. 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 is determined based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia statute from the state legislature.
- New Kent County General District Court Website – Official .gov site for court information and procedures.
New Kent County Family Court Process
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 and child support cases. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File a Complaint for Divorce with the New Kent County Circuit Court Clerk, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days if temporary support or custody orders are needed.
- Complete financial disclosures and, if contested, engage in discovery and possibly mediation.
- Finalize through a settlement agreement or proceed to trial before a judge.
- Obtain the final divorce decree from the court, ending the marriage legally.
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.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair division of marital assets/debts | Business valuation may be required |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent payments | Modifiable based on changed circumstances |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Monthly payments per worksheet | Enforceable by contempt |
| Court Costs | Filing fees, service fees, GAL costs | $86 filing + $12 service + $500-$2,500+ GAL | Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our team direct insight into this critical area of law. Our Richmond location serves New Kent County with a focus on case-specific strategy.
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.
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. 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 a signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Total costs vary significantly based on case complexity and cooperation.
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, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Separate property 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 relationships. New Kent County J&DR Court handles standalone custody; Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children with 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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for all Virginia family law matters.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in nearby Henrico County.
- New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense representation in New Kent County.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
- Richmond Office Location – Details about our Richmond location serving New Kent County.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.