In New Kent County, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Your family law matter deserves case-specific attention. Consultation by appointment.
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia — What Are Your Legal Options?
Virginia Family Law Statutes in New Kent County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning 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). No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — Title 20
Family law in Virginia includes divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, child support, and spousal support. The primary statute governing divorce grounds is Va. Code § 20-91, while equitable distribution is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this equitable distribution statute, a unique credential in Virginia family law.
Official Virginia Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- New Kent County General District Court — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge: New Kent County Family Law
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- Initial Consultation: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Discuss your goals, timeline, and any urgent matters like temporary custody or support.
- Case Evaluation: Your attorney reviews your situation, gathers financial documents, and identifies key issues — property division, custody, support, or fault grounds.
- Filing: Your attorney files a complaint for divorce at New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle). Filing fee: approximately $86. Service of process: approximately $12 (sheriff) or $50-$100 (private process server).
- Discovery & Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial disclosures. Your attorney negotiates a property settlement agreement addressing all issues. Mediation may be used if needed.
- Final Hearing: For uncontested divorce, a brief hearing with a corroborating witness. For contested divorce, trial before the Circuit Court judge. Final decree issued after all issues resolved.
In New Kent County, Virginia, family law matters carry no criminal penalties but involve significant financial and personal consequences including property division, support obligations, and custody arrangements.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Court | Key Statute | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault; 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) | 2-4 months from filing | New Kent County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-91 | Corroborating witness required; property settlement agreement recommended |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | New Kent County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-91 | Discovery, depositions, trial; higher costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies; pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days | New Kent County J&DR Court (standalone) or Circuit Court (within divorce) | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) may be appointed |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing until child emancipates | New Kent County J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Modification available upon material change in circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Duration varies; modifiable | New Kent County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Factors include duration of marriage, contributions, earning capacity |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair but not necessarily equal division | Within divorce proceeding | New Kent County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 11 factors; separate property excluded; business valuation may be needed |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your New Kent County Family Law Matter?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute — a credential held by no other family law attorney in Virginia. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Samantha Powers focuses her practice on family law matters including divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, and spousal support. She brings extensive litigation experience and a case-specific approach to each client’s situation.
Mr. Sris — Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney. Former prosecutor; founded firm 1997; personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute); bar admissions: VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY.
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New Kent County Family Law Services
Distance: Our Richmond Location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60.
Near-Me: Family law lawyer near New Kent County — serving New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Neighborhoods Served: New Kent, Providence Forge, Quinton.
Availability: 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
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in New Kent County
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at New Kent County General District Court.
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). New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124) handles all property division. 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. 11 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. 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.
Can I modify a child support order in New Kent County?
Yes. Child support orders can be modified upon a material change in circumstances, such as a change in income, custody arrangement, or the child’s needs. File a motion with New Kent County J&DR Court or Circuit Court. The court recalculates support using Virginia guidelines. Retroactive modification is limited to the date of filing.
Related Pages:
- Virginia Divorce & Family Law Lawyer — Hub page for all Virginia family law services.
- Henrico County Divorce & Family Law Lawyer — Serving neighboring Henrico County.
- Chesterfield County Divorce & Family Law Lawyer — Serving neighboring Chesterfield County.
- Criminal Defense Lawyer New Kent County — Related practice area in New Kent County.
- DUI/DWI Lawyer New Kent County — Related practice area in New Kent County.
- Richmond Office Location — Serving New Kent County clients.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.