
New Kent County family law matters fall under Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution, personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. A Support Contempt Lawyer New Kent County can help enforce or modify court orders.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law operates under equitable distribution principles, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. For divorce, Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault grounds. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child custody follows the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, while child support uses Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. A Support Contempt Lawyer New Kent County addresses violations of these court-ordered obligations.
Contempt of court in family law matters involves willful violation of a court order. Under Virginia law, contempt can be civil (coercive, to compel compliance) or criminal (punitive, for past violations). Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution orders, and violations may result in contempt proceedings. A contempt of court motion lawyer New Kent County handles these enforcement actions at the New Kent County Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For New Kent County court information, see the New Kent County General District Court website.
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 property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- File a motion for contempt or modification at the New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle).
- Serve the opposing party with the motion and notice of hearing through sheriff or private process server.
- Gather evidence of the violation, including bank records, text messages, and court order copies.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically set within 21-60 days of motion filing).
- Present your case before the judge, who may order compliance, modify the order, or impose sanctions.
- If the court finds contempt, remedies may include wage garnishment, property liens, or jail time for willful violations.
In New Kent County, contempt of court for family law order violations carries potential penalties including fines, jail time, and mandatory compliance orders.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt (failure to pay support) | Civil | Up to 12 months (coercive) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Wage garnishment, tax refund intercept, property liens |
| Criminal Contempt (willful violation) | Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Criminal record, potential jail time |
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, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a unique credential that demonstrates deep legislative knowledge. The firm’s favorable outcome rate is 93%+. A court order violation lawyer New Kent County from SRIS, P.C. brings this experience to every case.
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
Bar Admissions: Virginia (2023), Florida (2005). J.D./M.A. University of Florida (2005), Ph.D. Communication UCSB (2017). 18+ years of experience. Samantha focuses exclusively on Virginia family law matters, including divorce, custody, support, and contempt enforcement. She works collaboratively with Mr. Sris on complex equitable distribution cases.
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+ 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. A family law lawyer near New Kent County can help with your case.
We serve New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
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?
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?
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, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. Also serving nearby areas: Henrico County Family Law Lawyer and Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer. Related services in New Kent County: Criminal Defense Lawyer New Kent County and DUI/DWI Lawyer 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.