
In Prince William County, Virginia, a marital settlement agreement resolves property division, spousal support, and custody under Va. Code § 20-107.3. A Marital Settlement Agreement Lawyer Prince William County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297+ documented case results in this jurisdiction.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
A marital settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between spouses that resolves all divorce-related issues without court trial. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court must approve the agreement as fair and equitable. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. The agreement covers property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. Once signed by both parties and approved by the Prince William County Circuit Court, the agreement becomes part of the final divorce decree.
For marital settlement agreements specifically, Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property. Unlike generic divorce statutes, this section requires the court to consider 11 factors when dividing assets. The divorce settlement terms lawyer Prince William County must ensure each factor is addressed in the agreement to avoid future modification disputes.
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Equitable Distribution Statute) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Prince William County General District Court — Official Virginia Courts Website
Prince William County Circuit Court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. The marital settlement lawyer Prince William County must prepare this witness to testify that the separation period has been satisfied. Judges in the Thirty-first Judicial District scrutinize agreements involving business valuation or retirement assets.
- Step 1: File the divorce complaint at Prince William County Circuit Court, 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110.
- Step 2: Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Step 3: Negotiate the marital settlement agreement with your spouse or through mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
- Step 4: Sign the agreement before a notary public with both parties present.
- Step 5: File the signed agreement with the Circuit Court along with the final decree of divorce.
- Step 6: Attend the uncontested hearing with your corroborating witness to obtain the final divorce decree.
In Prince William County, Virginia, marital settlement agreements carry no criminal penalties but failure to comply can result in contempt of court with fines up to $2,500 or jail time.
| Issue | Classification | Consequence | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months jail | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
| Failure to pay child support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months jail | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Passport denial, tax refund intercept |
| Violation of custody order | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months jail | Up to $2,500 | None | Custody modification possible |
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 120+ years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ total case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs marital settlement agreements in Virginia. This amendment gives the firm direct knowledge of how the statute operates in Prince William County Circuit Court. The firm’s 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas demonstrates consistent results for clients.
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience
Samantha Powers handles all Virginia family law matters including marital settlement agreements, equitable distribution, and custody. She brings 18+ years of legal experience to each case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 total documented case results across all practice areas in Prince William County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable settlements for family law clients. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 15 miles from Prince William County Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 28.
Looking for a marital settlement agreement lawyer near Prince William County? We serve Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Q: How long does a divorce take in Prince William County, Virginia?
Yes. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
Q: How much does a divorce cost in Prince William County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Total costs vary based on complexity.
Q: 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. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded from division.
Q: How is child custody decided in Prince William County, Virginia?
It depends. Custody 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. Prince William County J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
Q: 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 Prince William County Circuit Court.
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer
- Manassas Family Law Lawyer
- Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince William County DUI Lawyer
- Samantha Powers Attorney Profile
- Fairfax Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
