Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer New Kent County, VA
You and your partner are making plans for your future together. You have talked about buying a home, starting a family, and building a life in New Kent County. One of you brings a business, an inheritance, or children from a prior marriage into the relationship. A prenuptial agreement can provide clarity before you walk down the aisle. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work with couples throughout New Kent County to draft agreements that reflect their intentions and comply with Virginia’s Premarital Agreement Act. To request a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Prenuptial Agreements Mean in New Kent County, Virginia
A prenuptial agreement—sometimes called a premarital agreement—is a contract entered into by two people before they marry. In Virginia, the enforceability and content of a prenup are governed by the Premarital Agreement Act (Va. Code § 20‑147 et seq.). The Act allows the parties to decide in advance how certain financial matters will be handled if the marriage ends by divorce or death. New Kent County couples use these agreements to protect separate property, define what will be considered marital property, and set forth spousal-support arrangements, among other things.
New Kent County is a historic community located between Richmond and Williamsburg along the I‑64 corridor. Family law matters—including actions involving prenuptial agreements—are heard in the New Kent County Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, Virginia. While the Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and equitable distribution, the validity of a prenuptial agreement may be tested in the context of a divorce proceeding. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients at this courthouse. Our Richmond location serves New Kent County and the surrounding communities of Providence Forge and Quinton.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Prenuptial Agreement Cases
Every prenuptial agreement begins with a candid conversation about each party’s assets, debts, and goals for the marriage. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys meet with a client to understand the family’s financial picture and what the client hopes the agreement will accomplish. The firm then drafts a proposed agreement tailored to the client’s situation, addressing items such as the characterization of business interests, retirement accounts, real estate, and future earnings as separate or marital property. Spousal-support provisions may also be included, consistent with Virginia law.
Once a draft is prepared, the other party must have the opportunity to review it with independent counsel. Virginia law requires that a prenuptial agreement be entered into voluntarily and with full disclosure of each party’s financial circumstances. The firm does not represent both parties; Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel attorneys represent one party and encourage the other to seek separate legal advice. After both sides have had an opportunity to review the agreement, it is signed before the wedding. The goal is an enforceable contract that reduces uncertainty and potential for conflict later.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He opened the firm in 1997 after beginning his legal career as a former prosecutor. For more than two decades, he has concentrated his practice on family law and other areas, serving clients throughout Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel. Results may vary.
The collaborative approach at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Means that every prenuptial-agreement file benefits from the collective insight of the entire team. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are accessible to clients and work to achieve a practical, enforceable agreement that reflects the couple’s intentions. To speak with an experienced attorney about your prenuptial-agreement needs in New Kent County, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can a prenuptial agreement cover in Virginia?
A prenuptial agreement in Virginia can address the ownership and division of property, spousal support, and other financial matters upon divorce or death. The Premarital Agreement Act allows the parties to classify separate property, determine how marital property will be distributed, and establish—or waive—rights to spousal support. The agreement cannot dictate child-custody or child-support arrangements because those issues remain subject to a court’s determination based on the best interests of the child at the time of a divorce. The agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties before the marriage.
Are prenuptial agreements enforceable in New Kent County?
Virginia courts will enforce a prenuptial agreement if it was entered into voluntarily and with a fair and reasonable disclosure of each party’s finances. The agreement must not be the product of fraud, duress, or overreaching. Both parties should have a meaningful opportunity to consult with independent legal counsel. A New Kent County Circuit Court judge will examine the circumstances under which the agreement was signed if its validity is challenged during a divorce. Working with an experienced attorney helps ensure the agreement meets the statutory requirements.
Do I need a lawyer for a prenuptial agreement in Virginia?
Virginia law does not require you to have a lawyer to sign a prenuptial agreement, but having one is strongly recommended. An attorney can explain what rights you are giving up or preserving and can draft language that complies with the Premarital Agreement Act. The other party should also have independent counsel. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we represent one party to a prenuptial agreement and encourage the other to seek separate legal advice. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
How does the prenuptial-agreement process work in New Kent County?
The process begins with an initial consultation, followed by the drafting of a proposed agreement, review by the other party’s counsel, and signing before the wedding. The lawyer will gather information about assets, debts, and income, then prepare a draft that reflects the client’s objectives. After negotiation, if needed, and final review by both parties, the agreement is executed. Because the New Kent County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over divorce and property matters, the agreement is typically not filed with the court until and unless a divorce action is initiated.
Can a prenup be changed or revoked after we are married?
Yes, a prenuptial agreement can be amended or revoked after marriage by a written agreement signed by both parties. The amendment must comply with the same formalities as the original agreement. Some couples also choose to enter into a postnuptial agreement—a contract made after marriage—that serves a similar purpose. For guidance on your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I bring to a consultation about a prenup?
It is helpful to bring a list of your assets and debts, recent financial statements, and any documentation that shows the value of property you own. Examples include bank and brokerage account statements, real estate deeds, business‑ownership records, retirement‑account summaries, and a rough estimate of your income. The attorney will also want to understand your family’s goals for the marriage and any special circumstances, such as children from a prior relationship.
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Virginia Primary Sources
Virginia Code —
Virginia Courts
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