Spousal Support Lawyer New Kent County, VA
You and your spouse have separated. The financial arrangements that once felt certain are suddenly unknown. You are worried about how you will cover the mortgage, the car payment, and daily expenses while the divorce moves through the court. You may even be unsure whether Virginia law entitles you to spousal support at all—or, on the other side, you may be concerned about what you will be asked to pay. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help clients in New Kent County work through these questions with a clear, practical approach. Our firm has served families across Virginia since 1997, and we recognize that every spousal support situation is personal. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
What Spousal Support Means in New Kent County, Virginia
Spousal support—often called alimony—is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. In Virginia, spousal support is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1. The statute does not create a flat formula. Instead, it directs the judge to consider thirteen statutory factors, including the length of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the contributions each spouse made to the family. Because New Kent County is an equitable distribution jurisdiction, the division of marital property under Va. Code § 20-107.3 often interacts closely with the spousal support analysis; a judge may shape the support award to balance an unequal property division.
In New Kent County, all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters are heard in the New Kent County Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124. Standalone support or custody petitions are filed in the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The firm’s Richmond location regularly represents clients in both courthouses. Our attorneys understand the expectations of the Ninth Judicial District bench and can help you present your financial picture clearly, whether you are seeking support or responding to a request for support.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Spousal Support Cases
Every spousal support matter begins with a thorough review of the family’s financial circumstances. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997, and his Of Counsel start by gathering tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, retirement account statements, and any existing separation agreements. They look at each spouse’s income from all sources, as well as reasonable living expenses. The goal is to build a factual foundation that the court can rely on when applying the § 20-107.1 factors.
Our approach is collaborative but always focused on protecting your interests. When the parties are able to negotiate, we work toward a separation agreement that resolves support, property division, and other issues without a contested hearing. When negotiation is not possible—perhaps because the parties disagree about the need for support or the appropriate amount—we prepare for litigation before the New Kent County Circuit Court. In either setting, we walk through the statutory factors with the client, explain how the judge is likely to weigh them, and develop a strategy grounded in the specific facts of the case. Because Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience, they are well positioned to navigate complex financial situations, including those involving business interests, retirement assets, or international elements. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings a practical, evidence-driven perspective to family law disputes. Mr. Sris has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Working alongside Mr. Sris, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute their own extensive experience in litigation, negotiation, and court procedure. Together, they serve clients throughout Virginia, including New Kent County, from the firm’s Richmond location. For Spanish- and Tamil-speaking clients, the firm offers language support to help ensure clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is spousal support in Virginia?
Spousal support is a financial payment one spouse makes to the other during or after a divorce, intended to help maintain the standard of living established during the marriage. Virginia law authorizes courts to award periodic payments or a lump sum based on the factors listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1. Support can be temporary—lasting only while the divorce is pending—or it can continue for a defined period or indefinitely, depending on the circumstances. The court may also reserve the right to award support in the future if a spouse’s financial situation changes.
How does a New Kent County judge decide the amount of spousal support?
The judge considers the thirteen statutory factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, the marital standard of living, and the contributions each spouse made to the family. There is no preset formula. The judge also examines whether one spouse needs support and the other has the ability to pay. The analysis is highly fact-specific, and the weight given to each factor may vary from case to case. Our role is to present the financial evidence in a way that helps the court understand your situation accurately.
Can spousal support be modified later?
Yes, spousal support may be modified upon a showing of a material change in circumstances, unless the final decree or separation agreement states otherwise. A material change might include a significant increase or decrease in either party’s income, involuntary job loss, or a serious health condition. If the original order is silent on modifiability, Virginia law generally permits a court to revisit the amount. Our firm can help you pursue or challenge a modification in New Kent County.
Does adultery affect spousal support in Virginia?
Fault, including adultery, may be considered by the court when determining spousal support. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the “circumstances and factors that contributed to the dissolution of the marriage” are one of the statutory factors. If a spouse committed adultery and that conduct had a direct economic impact—for example, dissipating marital funds—the court may weigh it heavily. However, adultery does not automatically bar an award; the court still evaluates all the factors together.
Do I need a lawyer for a spousal support case in New Kent County?
Virginia law does not require you to hire an attorney, but having experienced legal counsel can help you protect your financial interests and avoid mistakes that are difficult to undo. Spousal support decisions often have long-term consequences, and the statutory factors involve nuanced financial analysis. An attorney can guide you through the process, ensure the relevant evidence is presented, and help you understand what the court is likely to do. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Where can I find a spousal support lawyer near New Kent County?
Our Richmond location serves clients throughout New Kent County, including the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. From our Richmond location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225, we regularly appear at the New Kent County Circuit Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. We are available by appointment, and our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Related pages:
Fairfax County Family Law |
Prince William County Family Law |
Manassas City Family Law |
Fairfax City Family Law
Official Virginia resources:
Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) |
New Kent County Circuit Court |
Virginia Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts
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Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.