In Fairfax County, business assets are divided under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). A Business Valuation Divorce Lawyer Fairfax County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. helps ensure your company’s value is accurately appraised. Our firm has 1789+ documented case results across all practice areas. Last verified: April 2026
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property — including business interests — is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court considers 11 factors when dividing a business, including each spouse’s contributions, the duration of the marriage, and the value of separate vs. marital property. A business appraisal divorce lawyer Fairfax County understands that the classification of a business as marital, separate, or hybrid property is often the most contested issue. The court may order a forensic business valuation to determine the company’s fair market value. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving the firm unique insight into this statute.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax 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 court rules and procedures in Fairfax County, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
In Fairfax County Circuit Court, judges routinely order independent business valuations when one spouse owns or controls a company. The court expects both parties to submit valuation reports from certified professionals. A company value in divorce lawyer Fairfax County must be prepared to challenge the opposing experienced’s methodology.
- Identify all business assets and determine whether they are marital, separate, or hybrid property.
- Retain a certified business appraiser (CBA) or accredited in business valuation (ABV) professional.
- File a pendente lite motion if you need temporary support or exclusive use of the business during the divorce.
- Exchange valuation reports with the opposing party at least 60 days before trial.
- Prepare for deposition of the opposing experienced on their valuation methodology.
- Present your case at trial or negotiate a settlement based on the valuation.
In Fairfax County, business valuation in divorce carries no criminal penalty, but the financial consequences of an inaccurate valuation can be substantial.
| Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inaccurate valuation | Civil | Loss of $50,000+ in equitable distribution | Potential for appeal or modification |
| Hidden business assets | Civil/Fraud | Sanctions, attorney fees, potential criminal referral | Loss of credibility with the court |
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other firm in Fairfax County can claim. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Fairfax County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is located at 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032, a short drive from the Fairfax County Circuit Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. We serve clients throughout Fairfax County and the surrounding areas.
Looking for a Business Valuation Divorce Lawyer Fairfax County near you? We serve Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
How is a business valued in a Fairfax County divorce?
Yes. The court uses a certified business appraiser to determine fair market value. Methods include asset-based, income-based, and market-based approaches.
Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court considers the business’s fair market value as determined by a certified appraiser. Common valuation methods include the asset-based approach (net asset value), income-based approach (capitalization of earnings or discounted cash flow), and market-based approach (comparable sales). The court may also consider goodwill — both personal and enterprise goodwill. A Business Valuation Divorce Lawyer Fairfax County can help you select the appropriate method for your specific business type.
Can my spouse hide business assets during a divorce?
No. Hiding assets is illegal and can result in sanctions, attorney fees, and a criminal referral for fraud.
Virginia law requires full financial disclosure in divorce proceedings. If you suspect your spouse is hiding business assets, your attorney can request forensic accounting, subpoena financial records, and depose the spouse under oath. The court may impose sanctions, award attorney fees, and even refer the matter for criminal prosecution. A business appraisal divorce lawyer Fairfax County can use discovery tools to uncover hidden assets.
What is the difference between marital and separate business property?
It depends. Marital property is acquired during the marriage; separate property is owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance.
Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, separate property includes assets owned before marriage, gifts from third parties, and inheritances. However, if marital funds or efforts increased the value of separate property, that increase may be classified as marital property. For example, if you owned a business before marriage but your spouse contributed to its growth during the marriage, the increase in value may be subject to equitable distribution. A company value in divorce lawyer Fairfax County can help trace and classify these assets.
How long does a business valuation divorce case take in Fairfax County?
It depends. Complex business valuation cases typically take 12-24 months from filing to final decree.
Uncontested divorces with a signed property settlement agreement may resolve in 2-4 months. Contested divorces involving business valuation, especially those requiring experienced depositions and trial, can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support or exclusive use of the business are typically set within 21-60 days of filing a motion. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce cases.
Do I need a forensic accountant for my business valuation divorce?
Yes. For any business with significant assets or complex ownership structures, a forensic accountant is essential.
A forensic accountant can analyze financial statements, tax returns, bank records, and business operations to determine the true value of a business. They can also identify hidden assets, unreported income, or improper expenses. The cost of a forensic accountant typically ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the business. This cost is often recoverable through equitable distribution if the valuation reveals hidden assets.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.