Stock Options Divorce Lawyer Arlington County — How Are Stock Awards Divided?
In Arlington County, stock options and restricted stock units are marital property subject to equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County, including complex asset division matters. A Stock Options Divorce Lawyer Arlington County can help trace and value these assets.
Under Virginia law, stock options granted during marriage are marital property subject to division. The court applies the “time rule” to determine the marital portion of options granted before marriage but exercised during marriage. Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs equitable distribution of all marital assets including equity compensation. The statute requires courts to consider 11 factors when dividing property, including the contributions of each spouse to the acquisition of assets. For stock options specifically, the court examines the grant date, vesting schedule, and exercise period to classify the asset as marital or separate property.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the full text of Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County Circuit Court procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges routinely order forensic accounting for stock option valuations. The court requires detailed documentation of grant dates, vesting schedules, and exercise history. A Stock Options Divorce Lawyer Arlington County must present a tracing analysis showing which portion of the options accrued during marriage.
- Gather all stock option grant agreements and vesting schedules from your employer.
- Obtain a forensic accounting report valuing the marital portion of your options.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support while the valuation is completed.
- Attend mediation to negotiate a division of the stock options.
- Present the valuation report and proposed division at the equitable distribution hearing.
- Obtain a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) if needed to transfer the options.
In Arlington County, failure to disclose stock options during divorce proceedings can result in sanctions, including contempt of court and monetary penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Disclose Assets | Contempt of Court | Up to 10 days | Up to $1,000 | None | Court may award attorney fees to the other party |
| Fraudulent Concealment | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; potential for civil damages |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs stock option division in Virginia. This amendment directly affects how Arlington County courts classify and divide equity compensation in divorce cases. The firm’s favorable outcome rate is 93%+ across all practice areas.
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney, also oversees all complex family law matters. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience handling high-asset divorce cases.
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate in this locality. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. If you need a Stock Options Divorce Lawyer Arlington County near the Courthouse, Ballston, or Pentagon City, we serve all Arlington neighborhoods including Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 — meetings by appointment only.
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Are stock options considered marital property in an Arlington County divorce?
Yes. Stock options granted during marriage are marital property under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court divides them equitably based on the time rule and other factors.
How does the court value stock options in Arlington County?
It depends. The court typically orders a forensic accounting valuation. The value is based on the option’s intrinsic value at the time of divorce, considering vesting schedules and exercise dates.
Can I keep my stock options if I file for divorce in Arlington County?
No. Stock options granted during marriage are subject to equitable distribution. You may retain a portion based on the marital contribution, but the court will divide them fairly.
What happens to unvested stock options in an Arlington County divorce?
It depends. Unvested options are still marital property if granted during marriage. The court may award a percentage of the options when they vest, using a QDRO or other mechanism.
Do I need a forensic accountant for stock option division in Arlington County?
Yes. Arlington County Circuit Court judges expect certified valuations from qualified experts. A forensic accountant will trace the marital portion and provide a report for the court.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For neighboring localities, visit our Alexandria Family Law Lawyer page. For related practice areas in Arlington County, see our Criminal Defense Lawyer Arlington County and DUI Lawyer Arlington County pages.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.