New Kent County family law matters fall under Virginia’s equitable distribution standard (Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. A Separation Lawyer New Kent County can help you understand your rights regarding property division, spousal support, and child custody.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — Title 20
Virginia family law operates under the equitable distribution doctrine, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 when dividing assets and debts. A legal separation agreement lawyer New Kent County can help you draft a property settlement agreement that resolves all issues without court intervention. Virginia requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when no minor children are involved, or 1 year when minor children are present. Fault-based grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 statutory factors.
Official Virginia family law statutes: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Custody, Support) | New Kent County Circuit Court: New Kent County Combined Courts
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The court requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A marital separation lawyer New Kent County can prepare your separation agreement to address property division, spousal support, and child-related issues before filing.
- Step 1: Meet with a family law attorney to discuss your goals and gather financial documents.
- Step 2: Negotiate a separation agreement addressing property division, spousal support, and custody if applicable.
- Step 3: Execute the separation agreement with notarized signatures from both parties.
- Step 4: File a complaint for divorce at New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle).
- Step 5: Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Step 6: Attend the uncontested divorce hearing with your corroborating witness.
In New Kent County, family law matters involve financial consequences including property division, spousal support, and child support obligations determined by statutory guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | Circuit Court | $86 | Service: $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | 9-18 months | Circuit Court | $86 | GAL: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests (10 factors) | 3-6 months | J&DR Court | Varies | Mediation: $100-$300/hr |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Circuit Court | Motion costs | Financial experts |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in Virginia divorces. This amendment represents a significant contribution to Virginia family law. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas. Our attorneys include Samantha Rae Powers, who brings 18+ years of family law experience and a J.D./M.A. from the University of Florida.
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and related matters.
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. We serve New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. A family law lawyer near New Kent County can help you with divorce, custody, and support matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
24/7 phone consultations. By appointment only.
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. 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?
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 (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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.