Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved, under Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which our managing attorney helped amend. Child custody is determined based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and child support follows the state guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). The New Kent County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and contact details.
New Kent County Family Court Process
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 12001 Courthouse Circle. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your situation with an attorney to understand your rights and options under Virginia law.
- Filing: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the New Kent County Circuit Court or J&DR Court and pays the filing fee.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property, support, and custody.
- Mediation (if needed): If settlement talks stall, the court may order or the parties may choose mediation to try to reach an agreement.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a hearing or trial where a judge makes the final decisions.
- Final Order: The court enters a final decree of divorce or order, which legally ends the marriage or establishes custody and support.
Family Law Procedures & Potential Outcomes in New Kent County
In New Kent County, family law matters involve specific procedures and considerations, not penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property and statutory guidelines for support.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Typical Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | Court fees + legal fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | Higher legal fees + experienced costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies | Court costs + possible Guardian ad Litem |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (11 factors) | 12-24 months if complex | Business valuation + forensic accounting |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Family Law
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 played a key role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement in shaping the law provides a deep, practical understanding of property division for our clients in New Kent County and across Virginia.
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. These results include divorces, custody agreements, and support orders resolved favorably for our clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Services for New Kent County Residents
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts on 12001 Courthouse Circle, accessible via I-64 and Route 33. We are a family law lawyer near New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. We provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree in New Kent County Circuit Court. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), potential Guardian ad Litem fees for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in New Kent County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s needs. New Kent County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need other legal assistance in New Kent County, consider our criminal defense or DUI/DWI defense services. Learn more about your attorney on the Bryan Block profile page.
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.