To reduce the number of valve assembly components of a fluid filter, eliminating seal, reducing an overall size, and thereby to permit the use of either a smaller filter or a larger filter element.

The valve assembly comprises a separate two-piece relief valve and an anti-drain back valve. The anti-drain back valve is arranged adjacent to a first aperture for selectively blocking the first aperture to prevent fluid from exiting in the side of the filter during engine shut down. The relief valve is arranged adjacent to a second aperture for selectively blocking the second aperture to permit fluid to flow past the relief valve during high differential pressure conditions such as cold starts and plugged filter conditions.