New Kent County family law matters are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. Our Physical Custody Lawyer New Kent County team handles custody, support, and property division. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — Title 20
Virginia family law operates under equitable distribution principles. For divorce, Virginia requires a 6-month separation if no minor children exist with a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child custody follows the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 statutory factors. Child support is calculated using Virginia’s guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997), personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 — the equitable distribution statute. This is a documented legislative achievement that provides unique insight into Virginia property division law. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings courtroom experience to every family law case.
For physical custody matters specifically, Virginia courts apply the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court evaluates each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. A Physical Custody Lawyer New Kent County understands that New Kent County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases, while the Circuit Court handles custody within divorce proceedings. Our primary physical custody lawyer New Kent County team focuses on securing parenting time that serves the child’s well-being.
Key legal resources for New Kent County family law matters:
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Equitable Distribution) — official Virginia General Assembly
- New Kent County General District Court — official 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 or custody at New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle).
- Serve the other party with process — sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Exchange financial disclosures and file with the court within 21 days of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing (21-60 days after motion) for temporary support and custody orders.
- Complete mediation if ordered by the court or agreed by both parties.
- Final hearing or submission of signed property settlement agreement for uncontested divorce.
In New Kent County, family law matters involve court costs and fees: Circuit Court filing fee approximately $86, service of process $12-$100, Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+, mediation $100-$300/hour per party.
| Issue | Court | Filing Fee | Timeline | Additional Costs | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | $86 | 2-4 months | Service $12-$100 | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | $86 | 9-18 months | GAL $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | Varies | 3-6 months | GAL $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | J&DR Court | Varies | 30-90 days | None | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Spousal Support | Circuit Court | $86 | 3-6 months | None | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
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 across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a legislative achievement that directly impacts every Virginia divorce case involving property division. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our residential custody lawyer New Kent County team understands the local court procedures and judge preferences at New Kent County Circuit Court and J&DR Court.
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. Ms. Powers handles Virginia family law matters including divorce, custody, and support.
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 across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is accessible from New Kent County via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. The New Kent County courts are located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124.
Family law lawyer near New Kent — serving 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.
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. 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. New Kent County J&DR Court handles standalone custody 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.