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 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. The primary statutes governing your case are Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this deep statutory knowledge to advocate for your interests.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Defines the grounds for divorce in Virginia.
- New Kent County General District Court website – Provides court forms, fee schedules, and contact information.
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.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your case specifics. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Hearings and Trial: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Final Decree and Post-Judgment: The court issues a final decree of divorce. Your attorney can assist with enforcement or modification of orders if circumstances change.
New Kent County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In New Kent County, divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault grounds. Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | Property division per agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + motion costs | Court-ordered equitable distribution, possible spousal support |
| Complex Divorce (Business Assets) | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing fees + experienced fees ($500-$2,500+) | Business valuation, forensic accounting, retirement asset division |
Results may vary. The information above is based on Virginia statutes and typical New Kent County Circuit Court procedures.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to your case. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). This deep, specific legislative experience provides a distinct advantage in negotiating and litigating property division matters in New Kent County Circuit Court.
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
Documented 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, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for our clients. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225 serves clients at the New Kent County courts, accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We are a family law lawyer near New Kent County Courthouse and Colonial Downs, serving the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Availability: 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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 updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.