Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more (Va. Code § 20-91). Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, considering 11 statutory factors for a fair, but not necessarily equal, division of marital assets and debts.
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 (Domestic Relations). For court-specific forms and procedures, 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 two courts. The New Kent County Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce, custody, or support complaint at the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk’s office. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the legal papers to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents. The court may order mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach an agreement.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If no agreement is reached, the case will go to trial before a judge at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific financial costs and legal standards, not criminal penalties. The primary costs are court fees and professional services.
| Matter | Classification | Typical Timeline | Primary Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Final decree ends marriage |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees | Court decides property, support, custody |
| Child Custody Case | Best Interests Standard | 6-12 months | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Court-ordered parenting plan |
| Child Support Establishment | Virginia Guidelines | 3-6 months | Filing fees | Monthly support order based on income |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Authority and Experience
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 to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the development of state family law. This background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in complex financial divorce cases involving business valuation or retirement assets.
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
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 these matters. These results include cases involving divorce, child custody disputes, and support modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. As a family law lawyer near New Kent County, we represent clients in 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 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 Services
For more information on family law across Virginia, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with other legal matters in New Kent County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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 regarding your specific situation.