In New Kent County, Virginia family law cases follow equitable distribution under 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 Physical Custody Lawyer New Kent County can help you protect your parental rights. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly — not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to determine a fair division. Separate property (assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, or gifts) is excluded from division. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997, personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. For child custody, Virginia uses the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent.
For the official statute governing equitable distribution, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For New Kent County court information, visit 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.
- File a complaint or petition at New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle) with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party with process — sheriff service costs approximately $12; private process server $50-$100.
- Exchange financial disclosures within 21 days of the other party’s appearance.
- Attend pendente lite hearing (if needed) for temporary support and custody — typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
- Complete mediation or negotiate a settlement agreement.
- Attend final hearing or submit agreed order for final decree.
In New Kent County, family law cases involve no criminal penalties but carry significant financial and custodial consequences. Equitable distribution, child support, and spousal support are determined by statute.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Key Factors | Court | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months uncontested; 9-18 months contested | Separation agreement, corroborating witness | New Kent County Circuit Court | Filing fee: ~$86 |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | 3-6 months (standalone); varies with divorce | Parental role, child’s relationship, abuse history | J&DR Court (standalone); Circuit Court (with divorce) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing until child emancipates | Income, custody time, healthcare costs | J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Modification available upon material change |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Duration varies; modifiable | Length of marriage, earning capacity, contributions | New Kent County Circuit Court | No fixed formula |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Within divorce case | Contributions, debts, non-marital property | New Kent County Circuit Court | Mr. Sris personally amended this statute |
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 achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other family law firm in Virginia can claim. This direct legislative involvement gives the firm unparalleled insight into how courts apply the statute in New Kent County. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
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 exclusively on Virginia family law matters, including divorce, custody, and equitable distribution. She brings advanced communication skills and deep legal knowledge to every case.
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 achieved 4,739+ documented 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. If you need a Physical Custody Lawyer New Kent County, we are here to help. Family law lawyer near New Kent — serving New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
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. 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. Additional costs vary based on complexity.
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 (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124) 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. Filing fee: approximately $86.
What is a primary physical custody lawyer New Kent County?
A primary physical custody lawyer New Kent County helps parents obtain primary physical custody of their children. Under Va. Code § 20-124.3, the court considers 10 factors to determine the best interests of the child. A residential custody lawyer New Kent County can assist with establishing the child’s primary residence and parenting time schedule.
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.