A marital settlement agreement in Alexandria, Virginia, is a legally binding contract that resolves divorce terms such as property division, spousal support, and child custody. Under Va. Code § 20-109, the Alexandria Circuit Court enforces these agreements. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 79 documented results in Alexandria, including 18 dismissals and 30 reductions.
Marital Settlement Agreement Lawyer Alexandria, Virginia
A marital settlement agreement, also known as a property settlement agreement, is governed by Va. Code § 20-109 in Virginia. This statute allows parties to a divorce to enter into a written agreement resolving issues such as spousal support, property division, and child-related matters. The Alexandria Circuit Court reviews these agreements for fairness and may incorporate them into the final divorce decree. Once incorporated, the agreement becomes enforceable by court order. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the statute governing marital settlement agreements, see Va. Code § 20-109 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For information on equitable distribution, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Alexandria Circuit Court, prosecutors routinely enforce marital settlement agreements through show-cause motions when one party fails to comply. We have observed that judges in Alexandria expect strict adherence to the agreement’s terms, especially regarding spousal support and property transfers. A divorce settlement terms lawyer Alexandria can help you handle these proceedings.
- Obtain a certified copy of the signed marital settlement agreement.
- Document the specific breach, such as missed support payments or failure to transfer assets.
- File a motion to show cause at the Alexandria Circuit Court, 520 King Street, 2nd Floor.
- Serve the opposing party with the motion and notice of hearing.
- Attend the hearing and present evidence of the breach.
- Request the court to enforce the agreement, which may include wage garnishment or contempt proceedings.
In Alexandria, Virginia, violating a marital settlement agreement can result in court-ordered enforcement actions, including contempt of court, wage garnishment, and potential jail time for willful non-compliance.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
| Failure to transfer property | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Court-ordered sale of assets |
| Willful non-compliance with custody terms | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Modification of custody, attorney fees |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce. The firm has 79 documented case results in Alexandria: 18 dismissed or not guilty, 30 reduced or amended — a 61% favorable outcome rate. A marital settlement lawyer Alexandria can provide the guidance you need.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 79 documented results in Alexandria: 18 dismissed or not guilty, 30 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 61%. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with over 93% favorable outcomes. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Arlington is approximately 6 miles from Alexandria Circuit Court, with access via I-395 and Route 1. Serving the communities of Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (703) 589-9250 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marital Settlement Agreements in Alexandria
How long does a divorce take in Alexandria (City), Virginia?
Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Alexandria (City) Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Alexandria (City) Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution… High-asset or international-element cases can extend longer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex and high-net-worth matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
How much does a divorce cost in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria 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). Alexandria Circuit Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Alexandria, Virginia?
Custody in Alexandria is based on the experienced 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. Alexandria J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Alexandria Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
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 Alexandria 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.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against marital settlement agreement charges?
Defense strategies for marital settlement agreement in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-109 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing marital settlement agreement charges in Virginia?
If facing marital settlement agreement charges in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
What are the penalties for marital settlement agreement in Virginia?
Penalties for marital settlement agreement in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under Va. Code § 20-109, consequences may include fines, jail time, probation, or other sanctions. Consult a Virginia family law attorney for case-specific guidance.
For more information, visit our Flat Fee Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Virginia page. You may also find these pages useful: Family Law Lawyer Loudoun County, Family Law Lawyer Falls Church, Beach Franchise Dispute Lawyer Alexandria, and Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Alexandria.
Last verified: April 2026 | Content updated: 2026-04-30