In New Kent County, Virginia family law matters 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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. A Visitation Lawyer New Kent County can help you establish a parenting time schedule that protects your relationship with your children.
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, visitation, child support, and spousal support. The state is an equitable distribution jurisdiction, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Under Va. Code § 20-91, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and a signed separation agreement exists, or a 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. A child visitation rights lawyer New Kent County can explain how these statutes apply to your parenting time schedule.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For visitation and parenting time matters specifically, Virginia courts apply the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. This statute lists 10 factors the court must consider, including each parent’s role in the child’s life, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. A parenting time schedule lawyer New Kent County uses these factors to build a case for a schedule that serves your child’s needs.
Review the official statutes at Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) — official Virginia General Assembly. Court procedures are available at 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 or petition for custody at the appropriate court.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary orders if needed.
- Complete discovery, including financial disclosures and asset valuations.
- Participate in mediation to attempt settlement.
- Attend final hearing or submit agreed order for court approval.
In New Kent County, family law outcomes depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning property division is based on fairness, not a 50/50 split.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Key Factors | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month or 1-year separation | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 18+ months (contested) | Circuit Court | Separation agreement, corroborating witness | Filing fee approx. $86 |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child | 3-12 months | J&DR Court | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Ongoing | J&DR Court | Combined gross income, custody split | Modification available upon change |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Circuit Court | Duration of marriage, earning capacity | Modifiable upon material change |
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 that governs property division in all Virginia divorces. This achievement is unique among Virginia family law attorneys and demonstrates deep legislative knowledge that benefits New Kent County clients. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 total documented case results in New Kent County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is accessible from New Kent County courts via I-64, approximately 30 minutes from the courthouse. A Visitation Lawyer New Kent County is available near 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.
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. Additional costs may apply for complex cases.
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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. Compare with Henrico County Family Law Lawyer or Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer. See also our New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer and New Kent County DUI Lawyer pages.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.