In New Kent County, contested divorce under Va. Code § 20-107.3 involves equitable distribution of marital assets; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in this jurisdiction. A Contested Divorce Lawyer New Kent County can guide you through property division and custody disputes.
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 but not necessarily equally. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3 — personally amended by Mr. Sris — the court considers 11 factors including each spouse’s contributions, debts, and earning capacity. A Contested Divorce Lawyer New Kent County helps you protect your assets during this process.
For the full statute governing divorce grounds, see Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds). The New Kent County Circuit Court handles all contested divorce filings; visit the New Kent County Circuit Court website for filing instructions and forms.
- File a complaint for divorce at New Kent County Circuit Court, 12001 Courthouse Circle, with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100) within 60 days.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody orders.
- Exchange financial disclosures including tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.
- Participate in mediation (optional but recommended) to negotiate settlement terms.
- Proceed to trial if no agreement is reached; the court issues a final decree dividing assets and debts.
In New Kent County, contested divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves significant financial and custody consequences under Virginia family law.
| Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equitable Distribution | Civil matter | Divides marital assets and debts | 9-18 months | Spousal support may be awarded |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 9-18 months | Parenting time schedule established |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Based on combined gross income | Ongoing | Enforcement through wage garnishment |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies by case | Duration determined by court | Modification possible with changed circumstances |
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in every Virginia divorce. This achievement provides a unique advantage when handling contested divorce cases in New Kent County.
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO, also handles complex contested divorce cases in New Kent County. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY, and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
In New Kent County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 total documented case results 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.
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.
Looking for a contested divorce process lawyer New Kent County? Our team is near Colonial Downs Racetrack and the historic New Kent County Courthouse.
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 contested divorce take in New Kent County, Virginia?
It depends. Contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months from filing to final decree. Complex cases involving business valuation or retirement assets may take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support are set within 21-60 days of motion filing.
How much does a contested divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes, costs vary. Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs about $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300 per 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 is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in a contested divorce in New Kent County?
Yes, custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 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 matters.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children with 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.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. Compare with Henrico County divorce lawyer or Chesterfield County divorce lawyer. Also see our New Kent County criminal defense lawyer and New Kent County DUI lawyer.
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.