New Kent County divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Divorce and Family Law Statutes in New Kent County
Virginia family law is governed by multiple statutes. Divorce grounds are found under Va. Code § 20-91, which provides for no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed separation agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody decisions follow 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.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — Title 20
For divorce and family law matters in New Kent County, the primary statutes are Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, which governs how marital property is divided in Virginia. This amendment is a significant legal achievement that directly benefits clients in New Kent County.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) — official Virginia General Assembly and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) — official Virginia General Assembly. The New Kent County Circuit Court website is available at New Kent County Circuit Court — vacourts.gov.
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 (separation 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. The Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124 handles New Kent County family law matters.
- File a complaint for divorce at New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle). Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Exchange financial disclosures and attend mediation if ordered by the court.
- Attend the final hearing with a corroborating witness to obtain the final divorce decree.
In New Kent County, Virginia, divorce and family law matters involve court costs and fees rather than criminal penalties. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
| Matter | Classification | Court Costs | Additional Fees | Timeline | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce (No Minor Children) | No-fault | $86 filing fee | $12 sheriff service; $50-$100 private process server | 2-4 months | 6-month separation required with signed agreement |
| Uncontested Divorce (With Minor Children) | No-fault | $86 filing fee | $12 sheriff service; $500-$2,500+ Guardian ad Litem | 2-4 months | 1-year separation required |
| Contested Divorce | Litigated | $86 filing fee | $100-$300/hour mediation; $500-$2,500+ Guardian ad Litem | 9-18 months | Complex equitable distribution may extend to 12-24 months |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | J&DR Court | Varies | $500-$2,500+ Guardian ad Litem | 30-90 days for initial hearing | Based on best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
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 landmark achievement that directly benefits family law clients. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is accessible from New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle) via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We serve clients throughout New Kent County including New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Family law lawyer near New Kent County — we are here to help.
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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
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. Pendente lite motion: additional court costs. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at New Kent County General District Court.
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. 11 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. 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.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. See also our Henrico County divorce lawyer page and Chesterfield County divorce lawyer page. For other legal needs in New Kent County, see our New Kent County criminal defense lawyer page and New Kent County DUI lawyer page. View attorney profiles: Bryan Block. Our Richmond office location serves New Kent County.
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.