{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/20-109.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/20-109.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/20-109.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/20-109.1.html"}],"law_id":73881,"edition_id":1,"section_id":73881,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-109.1","catch_line":"Affirmation, ratification and incorporation by reference in decree of agreement between parties","history":"1970, c. 501; 1972, c. 482; 1978, c. 746; 1979, c. 659; 1982, c. 312; 1987, c. 424; 1996, c. 331; 2003, c. 260.","full_text":"Any court may affirm, ratify and incorporate by reference in its decree dissolving a marriage or decree of divorce whether from the bond of matrimony or from bed and board, or by a separate decree prior to or subsequent to such decree, or in a decree entered in a suit for annulment or separate maintenance, and in a proceeding arising under subsection A 3 or L of \u00a7 16.1-241, any valid agreement between the parties, or provisions thereof, concerning the conditions of the maintenance of the parties, or either of them and the care, custody and maintenance of their minor children, or establishing or imposing any other condition or consideration, monetary or nonmonetary. Provisions in such agreements for the modification of child support shall be valid and enforceable. Unless otherwise provided for in such agreement or decree incorporating such agreement, such future modifications shall not require a subsequent court decree. This section shall be subject to the provisions of \u00a7 20-108. Where the court affirms, ratifies and incorporates by reference in its decree such agreement or provision thereof, it shall be deemed for all purposes to be a term of the decree, and enforceable in the same manner as any provision of such decree. The provisions of this section shall apply to any decree hereinbefore or hereinafter entered affirming, ratifying and incorporating an agreement as provided herein. Upon the death or remarriage of the spouse receiving support, spousal support shall terminate unless otherwise provided by stipulation or contract. In any case where jurisdiction is obtained over a nonresident defendant by order of publication or by acceptance of service pursuant to \u00a7 20-99.1:1, any properly acknowledged and otherwise valid agreement entered into between the parties may be affirmed, ratified and incorporated as provided in this section.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":265692,"text":"Any court may affirm, ratify and incorporate by reference in its decree dissolving a marriage or decree of divorce whether from the bond of matrimony or from bed and board, or by a separate decree prior to or subsequent to such decree, or in a decree entered in a suit for annulment or separate maintenance, and in a proceeding arising under subsection A 3 or L of \u00a7 16.1-241, any valid agreement between the parties, or provisions thereof, concerning the conditions of the maintenance of the parties, or either of them and the care, custody and maintenance of their minor children, or establishing or imposing any other condition or consideration, monetary or nonmonetary. Provisions in such agreements for the modification of child support shall be valid and enforceable. Unless otherwise provided for in such agreement or decree incorporating such agreement, such future modifications shall not require a subsequent court decree. This section shall be subject to the provisions of \u00a7 20-108. Where the court affirms, ratifies and incorporates by reference in its decree such agreement or provision thereof, it shall be deemed for all purposes to be a term of the decree, and enforceable in the same manner as any provision of such decree. The provisions of this section shall apply to any decree hereinbefore or hereinafter entered affirming, ratifying and incorporating an agreement as provided herein. Upon the death or remarriage of the spouse receiving support, spousal support shall terminate unless otherwise provided by stipulation or contract. In any case where jurisdiction is obtained over a nonresident defendant by order of publication or by acceptance of service pursuant to \u00a7 20-99.1:1, any properly acknowledged and otherwise valid agreement entered into between the parties may be affirmed, ratified and incorporated as provided in this section.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":12712,"edition_id":1,"name":"Divorce, Affirmation and Annulment","identifier":"6","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12711,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":178931,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12712,"identifier":"6","token":"20\/6","url":"\/20\/6\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12711,"edition_id":1,"name":"Domestic Relations","identifier":"20","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":178075,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12711,"identifier":"20","token":"20","url":"\/20\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":69694,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-100","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-100\/","token":"20\/6\/20-100","metadata":false},{"id":85663,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-101","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-101\/","token":"20\/6\/20-101","metadata":false},{"id":78351,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-102","catch_line":"When not necessary to allege or prove offer of reconciliation","url":"\/20-102\/","token":"20\/6\/20-102","metadata":false},{"id":84768,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-103","catch_line":"Court may make orders pending suit for divorce, custody or visitation, etc","url":"\/20-103\/","token":"20\/6\/20-103","metadata":false},{"id":70919,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-104","catch_line":"Order of publication against nonresident defendant","url":"\/20-104\/","token":"20\/6\/20-104","metadata":false},{"id":59840,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-104.1","catch_line":"Orders of publication may be combined","url":"\/20-104.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-104.1","metadata":false},{"id":86285,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-105","catch_line":"Permissible form for orders of publication","url":"\/20-105\/","token":"20\/6\/20-105","metadata":false},{"id":72909,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-105.1","catch_line":"Alternative procedures","url":"\/20-105.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-105.1","metadata":false},{"id":79519,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-106","catch_line":"Testimony may be required to be given orally; evidence by affidavit","url":"\/20-106\/","token":"20\/6\/20-106","metadata":false},{"id":66535,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-107\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107","metadata":false},{"id":72435,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107.1","catch_line":"Court may decree as to maintenance and support of spouses","url":"\/20-107.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107.1","metadata":false},{"id":60714,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107.1:1","catch_line":"Court may decree as to maintenance of life insurance policy","url":"\/20-107.1_1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":59975,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107.2","catch_line":"Court may decree as to custody and support of children","url":"\/20-107.2\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107.2","metadata":false},{"id":69531,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107.3","catch_line":"Court may decree as to property and debts of the parties","url":"\/20-107.3\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107.3","metadata":false},{"id":75906,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-108","catch_line":"Revision and alteration of such decrees","url":"\/20-108\/","token":"20\/6\/20-108","metadata":false},{"id":86162,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-108.1","catch_line":"Determination of child or spousal support","url":"\/20-108.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-108.1","metadata":false},{"id":78437,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-108.2","catch_line":"Guideline for determination of child support; quadrennial review by Child Support Guidelines Review Panel; executive summary","url":"\/20-108.2\/","token":"20\/6\/20-108.2","metadata":false},{"id":53938,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-109","catch_line":"Changing maintenance and support for a spouse; effect of stipulations as to maintenance and support for a spouse; cessation upon cohabitation, remarriage, or death; effect of retirement","url":"\/20-109\/","token":"20\/6\/20-109","metadata":false},{"id":73881,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-109.1","catch_line":"Affirmation, ratification and incorporation by reference in decree of agreement between parties","url":"\/20-109.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-109.1","metadata":false},{"id":78343,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-110","catch_line":"Maintenance and support for a spouse to cease on remarriage","url":"\/20-110\/","token":"20\/6\/20-110","metadata":false},{"id":56256,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-111","catch_line":"Decree of divorce from bond of matrimony extinguishes contingent property rights","url":"\/20-111\/","token":"20\/6\/20-111","metadata":false},{"id":79932,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-111.1","catch_line":"Revocation of death benefits by divorce or annulment","url":"\/20-111.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-111.1","metadata":false},{"id":80489,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-112","catch_line":"Notice when proceedings reopened","url":"\/20-112\/","token":"20\/6\/20-112","metadata":false},{"id":66604,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-113","catch_line":"Procedure when respondent fails to perform order for support and maintenance of child or spouse or owes support and maintenance or additional support and maintenance","url":"\/20-113\/","token":"20\/6\/20-113","metadata":false},{"id":73222,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-114","catch_line":"Recognizance for compliance with order or decree","url":"\/20-114\/","token":"20\/6\/20-114","metadata":false},{"id":66046,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-115","catch_line":"Commitment and sentence for failure to comply with order or decree","url":"\/20-115\/","token":"20\/6\/20-115","metadata":false},{"id":54704,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-116","catch_line":"Effect of divorce from bed and board and what court may decree","url":"\/20-116\/","token":"20\/6\/20-116","metadata":false},{"id":82954,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-117","catch_line":"Divorce from bond of matrimony after divorce from bed and board","url":"\/20-117\/","token":"20\/6\/20-117","metadata":false},{"id":79255,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-118","catch_line":"Prohibition of remarriage pending appeal from divorce decree; certain marriages validated","url":"\/20-118\/","token":"20\/6\/20-118","metadata":false},{"id":84439,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-119","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-119\/","token":"20\/6\/20-119","metadata":false},{"id":83952,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-120","catch_line":"Revocation of decree from bed and board","url":"\/20-120\/","token":"20\/6\/20-120","metadata":false},{"id":82889,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121","catch_line":"Merger of decree for divorce from bed and board with decree for divorce from bond of matrimony","url":"\/20-121\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121","metadata":false},{"id":71713,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.01","catch_line":"Decree of divorce from bonds of matrimony without decree from bed and board","url":"\/20-121.01\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.01","metadata":false},{"id":86231,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.02","catch_line":"Decree of divorce without amended bill or amended cross-bill","url":"\/20-121.02\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.02","metadata":false},{"id":59482,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.03","catch_line":"Identifying information confidential; separate addendum","url":"\/20-121.03\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.03","metadata":false},{"id":72590,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.1","catch_line":"Reinstatement of suit","url":"\/20-121.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.1","metadata":false},{"id":80991,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.2","catch_line":"Validation of absolute divorce granted where no decree from bed and board","url":"\/20-121.2\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.2","metadata":false},{"id":82422,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.3","catch_line":"Validation of certain divorces granted prior to April 23, 1962","url":"\/20-121.3\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.3","metadata":false},{"id":62175,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.4","catch_line":"Restoration of former name","url":"\/20-121.4\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.4","metadata":false},{"id":68639,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-122","catch_line":"Advertising offer to obtain divorces","url":"\/20-122\/","token":"20\/6\/20-122","metadata":false},{"id":65664,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-123","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-123\/","token":"20\/6\/20-123","metadata":false},{"id":82012,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-124","catch_line":"Sequestration of record","url":"\/20-124\/","token":"20\/6\/20-124","metadata":false},{"id":72384,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-89","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-89\/","token":"20\/6\/20-89","metadata":false},{"id":78456,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-89.1","catch_line":"Suit to annul marriage","url":"\/20-89.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-89.1","metadata":false},{"id":77176,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-90","catch_line":"Suit to affirm marriage","url":"\/20-90\/","token":"20\/6\/20-90","metadata":false},{"id":82064,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-91","catch_line":"Grounds for divorce from bond of matrimony; contents of decree","url":"\/20-91\/","token":"20\/6\/20-91","metadata":false},{"id":72418,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-92","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-92\/","token":"20\/6\/20-92","metadata":false},{"id":70318,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-93","catch_line":"Insanity of guilty party after commencement of desertion no defense","url":"\/20-93\/","token":"20\/6\/20-93","metadata":false},{"id":54956,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-94","catch_line":"Effect of cohabitation after knowledge of adultery, sodomy or buggery; lapse of five years","url":"\/20-94\/","token":"20\/6\/20-94","metadata":false},{"id":84107,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-95","catch_line":"Grounds for divorces from bed and board","url":"\/20-95\/","token":"20\/6\/20-95","metadata":false},{"id":78621,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-96","catch_line":"Jurisdiction of suits for annulment, affirmance or divorce","url":"\/20-96\/","token":"20\/6\/20-96","metadata":false},{"id":71732,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-96.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-96.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-96.1","metadata":false},{"id":84801,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-97","catch_line":"Domicile and residential requirements for suits for annulment, affirmance, or divorce","url":"\/20-97\/","token":"20\/6\/20-97","metadata":false},{"id":87223,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-98","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-98\/","token":"20\/6\/20-98","metadata":false},{"id":58423,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99","catch_line":"How such suits instituted and conducted; costs","url":"\/20-99\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99","metadata":false},{"id":73767,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-99.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99.1","metadata":false},{"id":84506,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99.1:1","catch_line":"How defendant may accept service; waive service","url":"\/20-99.1_1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":64766,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99.2","catch_line":"Service in divorce and annulment cases","url":"\/20-99.2\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99.2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":53938,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-109","catch_line":"Changing maintenance and support for a spouse; effect of stipulations as to maintenance and support for a spouse; cessation upon cohabitation, remarriage, or death; effect of retirement","url":"\/20-109\/","token":"20\/6\/20-109","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":78343,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-110","catch_line":"Maintenance and support for a spouse to cease on remarriage","url":"\/20-110\/","token":"20\/6\/20-110","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/20-109.1\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1970. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 501 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1970 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 7 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1972, chapter 482; in 1978, chapter 746; in 1979, chapter 659; in 1982, chapter 312; in 1987, chapter 424; in 1996, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?961+ful+CHAP0331\">331<\/a>; in 2003, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?031+ful+CHAP0260\">260<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":69531,"section_number":"20-107.3","catch_line":"Court may decree as to property and debts of the parties","order_by":null,"url":"\/20-107.3\/"},{"id":64307,"section_number":"20-79.1","catch_line":"Enforcement of support orders; income deduction; penalty for wrongful discharge","order_by":null,"url":"\/20-79.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":71312,"section_number":"16.1-241","catch_line":"Jurisdiction; consent for abortion","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-241\/"},{"id":75906,"section_number":"20-108","catch_line":"Revision and alteration of such decrees","order_by":null,"url":"\/20-108\/"},{"id":84506,"section_number":"20-99.1:1","catch_line":"How defendant may accept service; waive service","order_by":null,"url":"\/20-99.1_1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":179005,"object_type":"law","relational_id":73881,"identifier":"20-109.1","token":"20\/6\/20-109.1","url":"\/20-109.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/20-109.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-109.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Affirmation, ratification and incorporation by reference in decree of agreement between parties","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 20-109.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>Any <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> may <span class=\"dictionary\">affirm<\/span>, ratify and incorporate by reference in its <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span> dissolving a marriage or <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span> of divorce whether from the <span class=\"dictionary\">bond<\/span> of matrimony or from bed and board, or by a separate <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span> prior to or subsequent to such <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span>, or in a <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span> entered in a suit for <span class=\"dictionary\">annulment<\/span> or separate maintenance, and in a proceeding arising under subsection A 3 or L of \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Jurisdiction; consent for abortion\" href=\"\/16.1-241\/\">16.1-241<\/a>, any valid agreement between the parties, or provisions thereof, concerning the conditions of the maintenance of the parties, or either of them and the care, <span class=\"dictionary\">custody<\/span> and maintenance of their <span class=\"dictionary\">minor<\/span> children, or establishing or imposing any other condition or consideration, monetary or nonmonetary. Provisions in such agreements for the modification of child support shall be valid and enforceable. Unless otherwise provided for in such agreement or <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span> incorporating such agreement, such future modifications shall not require a subsequent <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span>. This section shall be subject to the provisions of \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Revision and alteration of such decrees\" href=\"\/20-108\/\">20-108<\/a>. Where the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">affirms<\/span>, ratifies and incorporates by reference in its <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span> such agreement or provision thereof, it shall be deemed for all purposes to be a term of the <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span>, and enforceable in the same manner as any provision of such <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span>. The provisions of this section shall apply to any <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span> hereinbefore or hereinafter entered affirming, ratifying and incorporating an agreement as provided herein. Upon the death or remarriage of the spouse receiving support, spousal support shall terminate unless otherwise provided by <span class=\"dictionary\">stipulation<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span>. In any case where <span class=\"dictionary\">jurisdiction<\/span> is obtained over a nonresident <span class=\"dictionary\">defendant<\/span> by <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> of publication or by acceptance of service pursuant to \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"How defendant may accept service; waive service\" href=\"\/20-99.1_1\/\">20-99.1:1<\/a>, any properly acknowledged and otherwise valid agreement entered into between the parties may be <span class=\"dictionary\">affirmed<\/span>, ratified and incorporated as provided in this section.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAFFIRMATION, RATIFICATION AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE IN DECREE OF AGREEMENT\nBETWEEN PARTIES (\u00a7 20-109.1)\n\nAny court may affirm, ratify and incorporate by reference in its decree\ndissolving a marriage or decree of divorce whether from the bond of matrimony or\nfrom bed and board, or by a separate decree prior to or subsequent to such\ndecree, or in a decree entered in a suit for annulment or separate maintenance,\nand in a proceeding arising under subsection A 3 or L of \u00a7 16.1-241, any valid\nagreement between the parties, or provisions thereof, concerning the conditions\nof the maintenance of the parties, or either of them and the care, custody and\nmaintenance of their minor children, or establishing or imposing any other\ncondition or consideration, monetary or nonmonetary. Provisions in such\nagreements for the modification of child support shall be valid and enforceable.\nUnless otherwise provided for in such agreement or decree incorporating such\nagreement, such future modifications shall not require a subsequent court\ndecree. This section shall be subject to the provisions of \u00a7 20-108. Where the\ncourt affirms, ratifies and incorporates by reference in its decree such\nagreement or provision thereof, it shall be deemed for all purposes to be a term\nof the decree, and enforceable in the same manner as any provision of such\ndecree. The provisions of this section shall apply to any decree hereinbefore or\nhereinafter entered affirming, ratifying and incorporating an agreement as\nprovided herein. Upon the death or remarriage of the spouse receiving support,\nspousal support shall terminate unless otherwise provided by stipulation or\ncontract. In any case where jurisdiction is obtained over a nonresident\ndefendant by order of publication or by acceptance of service pursuant to \u00a7\n20-99.1:1, any properly acknowledged and otherwise valid agreement entered into\nbetween the parties may be affirmed, ratified and incorporated as provided in\nthis section.\n\nHISTORY: 1970, c. 501; 1972, c. 482; 1978, c. 746; 1979, c. 659; 1982, c. 312;\n1987, c. 424; 1996, c. 331; 2003, c. 260.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}