Stock options and equity compensation are marital property subject to equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 in Arlington County, Virginia. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County, including favorable outcomes in family law matters.
Stock Options Divorce Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Under Virginia law, stock options and equity compensation granted during marriage are generally considered marital property subject to equitable distribution. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs the division of all marital property, including stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and other equity-based compensation. The court considers 11 statutory factors to determine a fair division, which is not necessarily a 50/50 split. Separate property — such as options granted before marriage or received as a gift — may be excluded from division. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to complex financial matters like stock options divorce.
Last verified: May 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the equitable distribution statute, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For divorce grounds and separation requirements, see Va. Code § 20-91 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges routinely require detailed documentation of stock option grant dates, vesting schedules, and exercise prices. We have observed that the court often appoints a special commissioner or forensic accountant when the value of equity compensation exceeds $100,000.
- Identify all stock option grants and equity awards from your employer.
- Determine the grant date, vesting schedule, and exercise price for each award.
- Engage a forensic accountant to value the options using accepted methodologies.
- Classify each option as marital, separate, or partially marital under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
- Negotiate a property settlement agreement that addresses tax consequences and liquidity.
- If no agreement is reached, prepare for trial at Arlington County Circuit Court.
In Arlington County, stock options divorce involves equitable distribution of marital property under Va. Code § 20-107.3, with the court dividing assets fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to disclose stock options | Equitable distribution violation | N/A | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Court may award a larger share to the other spouse |
| Concealment of equity compensation | Equitable distribution violation | N/A | Up to $5,000 | N/A | Court may impose sanctions or attorney fees |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has 115 documented results in Arlington County, including 22 dismissed or not guilty and 93 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary.
Our location in Arlington is approximately 0.5 miles from Arlington County Circuit Court and Arlington County General District Court, with access via I-395 and US-50. We serve as a stock options divorce lawyer near Arlington County. Serving the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 589-9250 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stock Options Divorce in Arlington County
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Arlington County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Arlington County Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution… High-asset or international-element cases can extend longer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex and high-net-worth matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Arlington County General District Court.
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 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody in Arlington County is based on the experienced 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. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Arlington County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 115 total documented case results across all practice areas (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
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 Arlington County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against stock options divorce charges?
Defense strategies for stock options divorce in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing stock options divorce charges in Virginia?
If facing stock options divorce charges in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
What are the penalties for stock options divorce in Virginia?
Penalties for stock options divorce in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), consequences may include fines, jail time, probation, or other sanctions. Consult a Virginia family law attorney for case-specific guidance.
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Page Last verified: May 2026. Statute and court information current as of this date.