Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
In New Kent County, family law cases are heard at the Circuit Court located at 12001 Courthouse Circle. The filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for New Kent County
Virginia family law is defined by statute. Divorce requires meeting specific grounds under Va. Code § 20-91, such as a separation period. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3 (the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris), where marital assets are divided fairly based on 11 factors. Child custody determinations use the “best interests of the child” standard outlined in Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using statewide guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
New Kent County Family Court Process
All divorce and equitable distribution cases in New Kent County are filed with the Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Standalone custody, visitation, and child support matters begin in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations (J&DR) Court. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Filing: File a Complaint for Divorce with the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Response Period: Your spouse has 21 days to file an Answer. If they do not respond, you may request a default judgment.
- Discovery and Financial Disclosure: Both parties exchange financial information using mandatory court forms. This step is critical for property division and support calculations.
- Settlement Negotiation or Mediation: Attempt to reach a Property Settlement Agreement. Mediation is available but not required in Virginia.
- Pendente Lite Hearing: Attend a hearing for temporary spousal support, child support, and custody orders while the divorce is pending.
- Final Hearing or Trial: If a settlement is reached, the court reviews it at an uncontested hearing. If not, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law involves equitable distribution of property, not penalties. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income and the number of children.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Potential Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds; equitable distribution of assets | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies | Possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Support | Virginia guideline calculation based on income and custody share | Established at hearing | Filing fee for petition |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
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 direct involvement in shaping the law that governs your case.
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 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 these matters. These results include successful divorce settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and resolved support issues.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We are a family law lawyer near 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.
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 Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for Virginia family law.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in a nearby locality.
- New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.