In New Kent County, Virginia family law matters are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute 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. Consultation by appointment.
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Virginia family law operates under equitable distribution principles, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the complete statutory framework, review Va. Code § 20-91 through § 20-124.3 (Virginia General Assembly) and the New Kent County Combined Courts official website.
Insider Procedural Knowledge for New Kent County Family Law
New Kent County Circuit Court requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants are used for complex marital estates.
- File the Complaint: File a divorce complaint at New Kent County Circuit Court, 12001 Courthouse Circle, with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve Your Spouse: Arrange service of process through the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100).
- Exchange Financial Disclosures: Complete and exchange mandatory financial statements and asset disclosures within 21 days.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a hearing (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Participate in Mediation: Attend court-ordered mediation to attempt settlement before trial.
- Final Hearing or Trial: Present your case at the final hearing (uncontested) or trial (contested) before the Circuit Court judge.
In New Kent County, family law cases involve property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support determinations under Virginia law.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year (with children) | 2-4 months | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Service: $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Circuit Court | ~$86 | GAL: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | J&DR Court | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hr |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | 30-60 days | J&DR Court | ~$86 | Service: $12-$100 |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Financial experts: $200-$500/hr |
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?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every family law case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in every Virginia divorce. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law attorney in Virginia can claim. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel
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 Virginia family law matters including divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, and spousal support.
This case is also handled collaboratively with Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
New Kent County Family Law 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. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60.
We serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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?
It depends. 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. 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?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs may include financial experts and forensic accountants.
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 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. The filing fee is approximately $86.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.