New Kent County family law matters, including divorce and custody, are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. Our firm provides case-specific representation for local families. Consultation by appointment.
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes in New Kent County
Virginia family law is governed by several key statutes. Divorce grounds are found under Va. Code § 20-91, which allows for no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (if 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, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Equitable distribution of marital property is handled under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997). Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, while child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines under § 20-108.1. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Resources
- Virginia 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 Court
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.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney files a complaint for divorce at the New Kent County Circuit Court, 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124. Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint must be served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Respond and Negotiate: Your spouse has 21 days to respond. During this period, both parties exchange financial disclosures and negotiate a settlement.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing (if needed): For temporary support or custody, a pendente lite hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Final Hearing or Trial: If settled, an uncontested hearing requires a corroborating witness. If contested, a trial is scheduled. Uncontested divorces take 2-4 months; contested cases take 9-18 months.
In New Kent County, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and spousal support awards. Outcomes vary based on the specific facts of each case.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Key Factors | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) | 2-4 months (uncontested); 9-18 months (contested) | New Kent County Circuit Court | Separation agreement, corroborating witness | Filing fee: ~$86; service of process: ~$12-$100 |
| Divorce (Fault) | Adultery, cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment) | Varies; no waiting period for adultery | New Kent County Circuit Court | Proof of fault grounds required | Fault may affect spousal support |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies; pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days | New Kent County J&DR Court (standalone) or Circuit Court (within divorce) | Parental roles, child’s relationship with each parent, history of abuse | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing until child emancipates | New Kent County J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Income of both parents, custody arrangement, healthcare costs | Modification available upon material change |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Varies; durational limits for marriages under 20 years | New Kent County Circuit Court | Length of marriage, earning capacity, contributions as homemaker | Modification or termination upon cohabitation or remarriage |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair but not necessarily equal division under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months (complex estates with business valuation) | New Kent County Circuit Court | 11 factors including contributions, debts, tax consequences | Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance) excluded |
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 Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our favorable outcome rate is 93%+. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a unique credential that demonstrates deep knowledge of Virginia family law. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In New Kent County, we have 11 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm handles family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and equitable distribution.
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
New Kent County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 total documented case results in New Kent County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements for clients facing family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New Kent County Family Law Services
Our Richmond Location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). The location is accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Looking for a family law lawyer near New Kent? Our firm provides representation for clients throughout New Kent County and the surrounding areas.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in New Kent County
How long does a divorce take in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes, timelines vary. 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. New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
It depends. 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 may include forensic accountants for complex estates.
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.
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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- Henrico County Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- New Kent County DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Richmond Office Location
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.