Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, and marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the best interests factors for child custody determinations. These laws apply in New Kent County Circuit Court.
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 Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For information about court procedures and forms, refer to the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Court Process
Family law cases in New Kent County are heard in the Circuit Court for divorce and property division, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for standalone custody and support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- File the initial complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend the scheduled pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Attend court-ordered or voluntary mediation to try to reach an agreement.
- If no agreement is reached, prepare your case for trial before a judge at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties, based on Virginia’s legal standards.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, division of marital property | 11 statutory factors, contributions, debts |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal & physical custody arrangements | 10 factors, child’s needs, parental fitness |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support awards | Duration of marriage, earning capacity, needs |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.2) | Monthly support based on combined income | Health care, childcare, education costs |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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
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 for family law matters handled.
Results may vary. 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). We are a family law lawyer near New Kent County, accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We serve the New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton communities.
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 takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include sheriff service ($12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
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. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; custody within divorce goes to Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In New Kent County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.