Marital Settlement Agreement Lawyer Arlington County, VA
A marital settlement agreement — sometimes called a property settlement agreement or separation agreement —
resolves the financial and property issues that arise when a marriage ends. In Arlington County, Virginia,
these agreements must comply with the equitable distribution framework set out in the Virginia Code.
When properly drafted, a marital settlement agreement disposes of matters such as division of real and
personal property, retirement accounts, spousal support, and the allocation of debts — often without
requiring a contested court hearing. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. assist clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, Shirlington,
and the surrounding communities by negotiating and drafting agreements that reflect each party’s goals
while satisfying statutory requirements. If you are considering a separation or divorce in Arlington County,
reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
What a Marital Settlement Agreement Means in Arlington County, Virginia
A marital settlement agreement is a written contract between spouses that resolves the economic
consequences of divorce. In Virginia, it is governed by the statutory requirements found in Title 20
of the Virginia Code, and it must be signed by both parties. When a couple reaches a comprehensive
agreement, they can proceed with an uncontested divorce, often on the no-fault ground of living separate
and apart for the requisite period. The agreement addresses classification and division of marital property
and separate property, spousal support, and, if applicable, issues concerning the couple’s children.
Because the agreement operates as a contract, Virginia courts generally enforce its terms unless
the agreement is found to be unconscionable or the product of fraud or duress.
Arlington County family law matters are heard in two courts: the Arlington County Circuit Court,
located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201, handles all divorce, equitable
distribution, and spousal support proceedings, while the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations
District Court addresses standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. A marital
settlement agreement drafted for submission in the Circuit Court must be thorough enough to allow the
court to enter a final decree of divorce. The firm’s Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700,
Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 positions us to represent clients effectively at the Arlington County courts.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, so the agreement can reflect
a division that the parties consider fair rather than a rigid 50/50 split — provided the statutory factors
are satisfied.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Marital Settlement Agreement Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each marital settlement agreement matter with careful attention
to both the financial and emotional dimensions of divorce. The process typically begins with a thorough
consultation in which the attorney reviews the marital estate, identifies contested issues, and advises
on the relevant statutory framework. The team then works to gather the necessary financial disclosures
— including valuations of real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, and other assets — so
that both parties have a clear picture of the marital property. If the spouses are negotiating directly
or through mediation, the firm provides legal guidance, drafts proposed language, and helps shape an
agreement that aligns with the client’s priorities.
When the parties reach agreement, the final document is prepared with precision, addressing all
categories of property, support, and any tax considerations. If disagreements arise, Mr. Sris and
his Of Counsel represent the client’s interests in negotiations and, when necessary, in litigation before
the Arlington County Circuit Court. Throughout the matter, the focus remains on achieving a durable
resolution that avoids disputes down the road. Because every marital estate is different, the firm
tailors its approach to the specific facts of each case. To discuss your situation, contact
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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 and is
admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former
prosecutor, he brings courtroom insight to family law matters that may involve contested issues.
He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635
(chief patron Del. David Bulova), a bill that addressed procedural aspects of equitable distribution.
His experience includes handling complex property division, spousal support negotiations, and
the drafting of marital settlement agreements tailored to each family’s circumstances. Mr. Sris
works alongside his Of Counsel team, whose combined legal experience strengthens the firm’s ability to
assist clients in Arlington County and across Virginia. Together, they focus on practical solutions
that keep the client’s long-term interests at the center of every agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a marital settlement agreement in Virginia?
A marital settlement agreement is a written contract between spouses that resolves all property,
support, and related issues arising from the divorce. In Virginia, it is also called a property
settlement agreement or separation agreement. The agreement allows the parties to decide how to divide
assets and debts, whether spousal support will be paid, and, if the agreement includes child-related
terms, how custody and visitation will be arranged. When the agreement is incorporated into a final
decree of divorce, it becomes an enforceable court order. For guidance on preparing an agreement that
complies with Virginia law, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer to draft a marital settlement agreement in Arlington County?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer draft a marital settlement agreement, but legal
representation helps ensure the agreement is thorough, enforceable, and protects your rights.
An experienced attorney can identify issues that spouses may overlook — such as the tax consequences
of certain divisions, the correct handling of retirement accounts, or the impact of an agreement on
future modification rights. Even in an amicable divorce, mistakes in drafting can lead to costly
litigation later. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review every proposed term and help clients negotiate
from an informed position.
Can a marital settlement agreement be modified after the divorce?
Provisions concerning property division are generally final and cannot be modified, but
provisions for spousal support or child-related matters may be modifiable under certain circumstances.
Virginia law treats the property division terms of a marital settlement agreement as a binding contract;
once the court enters the final decree, those terms are usually locked in. Spousal support can sometimes
be modified if the agreement expressly reserves that right and a material change in circumstances occurs.
Child custody, visitation, and child support are always subject to modification based on the trusted
interests of the child and changed circumstances. To discuss whether your agreement might be modifiable,
contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What happens if my spouse violates the marital settlement agreement?
If a spouse fails to comply with the terms of a marital settlement agreement that has been
incorporated into a court order, the other spouse may seek enforcement through the Arlington County
Circuit Court. The court can compel compliance through contempt proceedings, money judgments,
or other equitable remedies. Because the agreement is both a contract and a court order, the
non-breaching party has multiple enforcement tools available. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent
clients in enforcement actions, working to hold the other party accountable and obtain the relief
the agreement promised.
How long does it take to finalize a marital settlement agreement in Arlington County?
The timeline varies by case and depends on the complexity of the marital estate, the level
of cooperation between the parties, and the court’s calendar. If both spouses are willing
to negotiate and can reach an agreement quickly, the drafting and execution of the agreement may be
accomplished in a matter of weeks. When the divorce is uncontested and the statutory separation period
has already run, the final hearing can be scheduled relatively promptly. For contested cases,
negotiations may extend for several months. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to move the process
forward as efficiently as possible while protecting the client’s interests.
Does a marital settlement agreement have to be notarized in Virginia?
Virginia law requires the signatures on a marital settlement agreement to be acknowledged,
and notarization commonly serves that purpose. An acknowledgment before a notary public
confirms that the signatures are genuine and voluntary. While notarization itself does not guarantee
enforcement, it is an important step in the execution of the document. The firm’s attorneys guide
clients through the proper execution formalities so that the agreement will withstand judicial
scrutiny. For assistance with drafting and executing a marital settlement agreement, reach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Our family law attorneys also serve clients in
Fairfax County,
Prince William County,
Stafford County,
Fauquier County, and
Loudoun County.
Virginia legal resources:
Virginia Code Title 20 — Domestic Relations ·
Arlington County Circuit Court ·
Arlington County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.