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 key laws include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution, § 20-108.1 for child support guidelines, and § 20-124.2 for custody determinations based on the child’s best interests.
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 Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). Court procedures and forms are available through the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Family Court Process
Family law matters in New Kent County are heard in two courts: the Circuit Court handles divorce and equitable distribution, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and support cases. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Consult with an attorney to evaluate your case and determine the appropriate grounds for divorce or filing.
- File the initial complaint or petition with the New Kent County Circuit Court or J&DR Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party with the legal documents according to Virginia rules of service.
- Participate in discovery, which may include financial disclosures, depositions, and property valuation.
- Attend mediation or settlement conferences as ordered by the court to attempt resolution.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial if settlement cannot be reached, where a judge will issue orders.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences in New Kent County
In New Kent County, divorce and family law matters involve specific financial costs and legal standards 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 | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Legal Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Separation period met |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing, attorney fees, experienced costs | Proof of grounds or separation |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Determination | Varies | Court costs, Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | 10 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-124.3) |
| Equitable Distribution | Property Division | 12-24 months if complex | Business valuation, forensic accounting | 11 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Our Family Law 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 property division cases. We provide full representation in New Kent County family law matters.
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. These results include successful divorce settlements, custody arrangements, and property division agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Services in New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We provide family law representation to residents of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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.
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.
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.
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 about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In New Kent County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.