
Postnuptial Agreement Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia
A postnuptial agreement in Alexandria, Virginia, is a legally binding contract between spouses executed after marriage, governed by Virginia Code § 20-155. It defines the division of assets, debts, and potential spousal support in the event of divorce or death. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced counsel for drafting and reviewing these critical documents to protect your interests under Virginia law.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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ToggleVirginia Postnuptial Agreement Law
Virginia law, specifically Virginia Code § 20-155, provides the statutory framework for postnuptial agreements, which are also known as marital agreements. Unlike a prenuptial agreement signed before marriage, a postnup is created after the wedding. Its primary purpose is to establish clear terms for the division of marital property, classification of separate assets, allocation of debts, and potential spousal support obligations should the marriage end in divorce or upon the death of a spouse. For an agreement to be enforceable, Virginia requires full financial disclosure from both parties, the absence of coercion or duress, and that the terms are not unconscionable at the time of signing. The agreement must be in writing and signed by both spouses. A postnup lawyer Alexandria VA can ensure your agreement meets all legal standards for validity.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute governing marital agreements, refer to Virginia Code § 20-155 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Family law matters in Alexandria are heard at the Alexandria General District Court.
Procedural Insights for Alexandria
In Alexandria, the process for creating a valid postnuptial agreement requires careful attention to detail. The Alexandria Circuit Court will scrutinize these agreements for fairness and procedural integrity if they are later challenged. A key local procedural fact is that Virginia courts will not enforce an agreement procured through fraud, duress, or without full financial disclosure. Each spouse must have independent legal counsel for the agreement to have the strongest presumption of validity, though it is not an absolute requirement. The court at 520 King Street handles any litigation concerning the enforcement or interpretation of these contracts.
- Schedule a confidential consultation with a postnuptial agreement lawyer to discuss your goals and Virginia law.
- Gather complete documentation of all assets, debts, income, and separate property for full financial disclosure.
- Your attorney will draft the agreement, ensuring it complies with Va. Code § 20-155 and addresses your specific situation.
- Your spouse must review the draft with their own independent counsel before both parties sign the final document.
- The signed agreement should be notarized and securely stored with your other vital legal documents.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Marital Agreement
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our team deep, firsthand knowledge of the property division laws that interact with marital agreements. We understand that a postnuptial agreement is a significant legal step, and we provide clear, strategic guidance to ensure your contract is both fair and legally sound.
Samantha Powers
Of Counsel, Family Law Attorney
Virginia Bar (2023) | Florida Bar (2005)
J.D./M.A. University of Florida | Ph.D. Communication, UCSB
Samantha Powers focuses her practice on Virginia family law, including the drafting and negotiation of marital agreements. With over 18 years of experience, she provides detailed counsel to ensure agreements are full and enforceable under Virginia law.
Our firm-wide practice has resulted in 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
For complex financial matters within a postnup, our team collaborates with Of Counsel attorney Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in analyzing and structuring agreements involving business assets, investments, and retirement accounts.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves clients in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. We are accessible for appointments to discuss your postnuptial agreement needs. For a postnup lawyer Alexandria VA residents trust, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are held by appointment only.
Postnuptial Agreement FAQs in Alexandria, VA
What is the difference between a prenup and a postnup?
Yes, there is a key difference. A prenuptial attorney drafts an agreement before marriage. A postnuptial agreement lawyer handles a contract created after the wedding. Both are governed by the same Virginia statute but are signed at different times, which can affect the court’s analysis of voluntariness.
Can a postnuptial agreement address child custody and support?
No. Virginia law prohibits parents from contracting away a child’s right to support or establishing custody arrangements in a marital agreement. These matters are always determined by the court based on the child’s best interests at the time of separation or divorce.
Do both spouses need their own lawyer for a postnup?
It is highly advisable. While not an absolute legal requirement, Virginia courts give the strongest presumption of validity to agreements where each party had the opportunity to consult with independent legal counsel. This helps demonstrate the agreement was entered knowingly and voluntarily.
What makes a postnuptial agreement invalid in Virginia?
An agreement can be invalidated if there was fraud, duress, coercion, or a lack of full financial disclosure. It can also be set aside if the terms are found to be unconscionable at the time of signing. A prenup drafting lawyer or postnuptial agreement lawyer ensures proper procedure is followed to avoid these pitfalls.
Can we modify or revoke our postnuptial agreement?
Yes. A postnuptial agreement can be amended or revoked entirely by a subsequent written agreement signed by both spouses. It is crucial to follow the same formalities, including full disclosure and consideration, to ensure the modification is legally enforceable.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Arlington County. If you are facing other legal issues, consider our Alexandria criminal defense lawyers or Alexandria DUI attorneys.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.