Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). These statutes establish the legal framework for all family law proceedings in New Kent County.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current statutory language, refer to the official Virginia Code: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and forms are available through the New Kent County General District Court website.
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, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Consult with an attorney to evaluate your case and determine grounds for divorce.
- File a complaint with the New Kent County Circuit Court and pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service or private process server.
- Attend any required pendente lite hearings for temporary support and custody within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery, mediation if applicable, and prepare for final hearing or trial.
- Obtain the final divorce decree from the court after meeting all statutory requirements.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In New Kent County, divorce and family law matters involve specific legal standards and financial obligations rather than criminal penalties. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Signed separation agreement | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Corroborating witness required |
| Contested Divorce | Disputed issues | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees | Possible pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | Forensic accountant fees | Business valuation often needed |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 10 statutory factors considered |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm unique insight into Virginia family law. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
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 documented case results in New Kent County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorce, child custody, and property division matters resolved through negotiation, mediation, and litigation.
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 provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — all 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?
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: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support are typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
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. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) 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 + 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
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. If you need other legal services in New Kent County, consider our criminal defense attorney or DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.