New Kent County family law matters, including divorce and custody, are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. A Physical Custody Lawyer New Kent County can help protect your parental rights. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: 2026-04 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law defines divorce grounds under Va. Code § 20-91, which allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). 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 governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 statutory factors. A primary physical custody lawyer New Kent County can explain how these statutes apply to your case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the New Kent County General District Court website.
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 a complaint for divorce at New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Present your case at trial or submit a signed agreement for court approval.
- Receive final decree of divorce from the Circuit Court judge.
In New Kent County, family law matters involve no criminal penalties but carry significant financial and custodial consequences.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | Civil | N/A | $86 filing fee | N/A | Equitable distribution of property |
| Child Custody | Civil | N/A | Varies | N/A | Parenting time and decision-making |
| Child Support | Civil | N/A | Guidelines-based | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax intercept |
| Spousal Support | Civil | N/A | 13-factor analysis | N/A | Contempt for non-payment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” A residential custody lawyer New Kent County from our team can provide case-specific guidance.
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
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+ case results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. Family law lawyer near New Kent County. Serving New Kent, Providence Forge, Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
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. 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?
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.
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 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.
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.