Marital Settlement Agreement Lawyer Lexington — Protect Your Rights
A marital settlement agreement (MSA) is a legally binding contract that resolves all issues in a Virginia divorce. In Lexington, this agreement, governed by Va. Code § 20-109.1, must be filed with the Circuit Court for incorporation into your final decree. A skilled marital settlement agreement lawyer Lexington from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Understanding Marital Settlement Agreements in Virginia
A Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA), sometimes called a property settlement agreement, is the cornerstone of an uncontested divorce in Virginia. Under Va. Code § 20-109.1, this contract allows you and your spouse to decide all divorce settlement terms, including property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support, without a judge imposing a decision. Once signed and notarized, it is filed with the Lexington Circuit Court and becomes part of your final divorce decree. Having a marital settlement agreement lawyer Lexington review your agreement is critical to ensure it is full, fair, and complies with Virginia law.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your assets, debts, and goals with your Lexington marital settlement lawyer.
- Disclosure & Drafting: Exchange full financial disclosures. Your lawyer drafts the initial MSA proposal.
- Negotiation: Your attorney negotiates terms with the other party or their counsel to reach a fair settlement.
- Final Review & Signing: Both parties review the final draft with their respective lawyers, then sign and notarize the agreement.
- Court Filing: Your lawyer files the signed MSA with your divorce complaint at the Lexington Circuit Court.
- Incorporation into Decree: The judge reviews and incorporates the MSA into the final divorce decree, making it a court order.
Key Terms in a Lexington Marital Settlement Agreement
In Lexington, a full marital settlement agreement addresses property division, support, and parenting, governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws.
| Term | Legal Standard | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Equitable Distribution | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property (Va. Code § 20-107.3). | Identification of marital vs. separate property; valuation of homes, retirement accounts, businesses. |
| Spousal Support | Award based on 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1). | Duration, amount, modifiability, and termination conditions (e.g., cohabitation, remarriage). |
| Child Custody & Visitation | Determined by the child’s best interests (Va. Code § 20-124.3). | Legal and physical custody schedules, holiday rotations, decision-making authority. |
| Child Support | Calculated using Virginia guidelines based on income and custody time. | Health insurance, childcare, and extracurricular cost provisions; college support clauses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Lexington Family Law Team
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case. Our deep understanding of Virginia family law is underscored by Mr. Sris’s personal work amending the state’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes, including 14 results in Lexington across all practice areas. Our approach focuses on clear communication and strategic negotiation to secure a stable post-divorce future for you and your family.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in Lexington
Our firm’s strategic approach yields consistent results. In Lexington, we have secured outcomes such as the dismissal of a reckless driving charge via nolle prosequi and the reduction of other speeding charges to non-criminal infractions. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. While these are traffic examples, they demonstrate our firm-wide commitment to diligent representation and knowledge of local court procedures, a principle we apply with equal vigor to family law matters and negotiating divorce settlement terms.
Our managing attorney, Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides invaluable oversight on cases involving complex financial asset division.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Lexington and the surrounding communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Marital Settlement Agreement FAQs for Lexington, VA
Is a marital settlement agreement legally binding in Virginia?
Yes. Once signed, notarized, and incorporated into your final divorce decree by a Virginia Circuit Court judge, a marital settlement agreement becomes a legally binding and enforceable court order.
Can I change my marital settlement agreement after my divorce?
It depends. Terms related to property division are generally final. However, provisions for spousal support, child custody, and child support can often be modified later if there is a substantial change in circumstances, as defined by Virginia law.
What happens if my spouse violates the agreement?
If your ex-spouse violates the court-ordered agreement, you can file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause (contempt) in the Lexington Circuit Court. The court can enforce the order and impose penalties for non-compliance.
Do both parties need a lawyer for a marital settlement agreement?
While not legally required, it is highly advisable. Each party should have independent legal counsel to ensure their rights are protected, the agreement is fair, and all financial disclosures are complete. A marital settlement lawyer Lexington can identify issues you may overlook.
What is the difference between a separation agreement and an MSA?
In Virginia, a separation agreement is signed while you are living apart but before filing for divorce. A marital settlement agreement is typically the final, full contract that resolves all issues for the divorce itself. The separation agreement often forms the basis for the MSA.
Related Pages: For other legal needs, see our Lexington criminal defense lawyer or Lexington DUI lawyer pages. For more Virginia family law information, visit our Virginia family law hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.