In Lexington, stock options acquired during marriage are marital property subject to equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 — a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. A Stock Options Divorce Lawyer Lexington from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. helps ensure stock awards are valued and divided fairly. 14 documented case results in Lexington.
Under Virginia law, stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs) granted during the marriage are marital property subject to equitable distribution. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs the division of all marital assets, including equity compensation. The statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris, requires courts to consider 11 factors when dividing marital property. Stock options earned before marriage but vested during marriage may be partially marital. An equity compensation divorce lawyer Lexington can help trace and value these assets.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Stock options are a distinct form of equity compensation governed by both Virginia family law and the specific terms of the stock option plan. Unlike salary or bonuses, stock options require valuation of the underlying company stock and analysis of vesting schedules. A stock division lawyer Lexington must distinguish between vested and unvested options, and between options granted before versus during marriage. The Virginia Court of Appeals has held that unvested stock options may still be marital property if the right to the option accrued during the marriage.
For the complete statutory framework, review Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures in Lexington, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Circuit Court handles all equitable distribution matters, including stock option division. The court requires a forensic valuation of stock options if the parties cannot agree on value. Vesting schedules, exercise dates, and tax consequences all affect the division. A Stock Options Divorce Lawyer Lexington knows that the timing of the option grant relative to the marriage date is critical.
- Identify all stock option grants and RSU awards received during the marriage.
- Determine the grant date, vesting schedule, and exercise price for each award.
- Obtain a forensic valuation of the stock options as of the date of separation.
- File a motion for equitable distribution with Lexington Circuit Court.
- Present evidence of the marital portion of each stock award.
- Negotiate a property settlement agreement or proceed to trial for court-ordered division.
In Lexington, failure to disclose stock options during divorce proceedings can result in sanctions, including the court awarding the undisclosed assets entirely to the other spouse.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to disclose stock options | Civil contempt | None | Up to $500 | None | Court may award undisclosed assets entirely to other spouse |
| Fraudulent concealment of assets | Civil fraud | None | Up to actual damages | None | Court may impose sanctions including attorney fees |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs stock option division in Virginia divorces. This amendment gives the firm unique authority in complex asset division cases. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas, with a 100% 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 Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81 and I-64. An equity compensation divorce lawyer Lexington near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. Serving Lexington and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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How long does a divorce take in Lexington, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution with stock options: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Lexington, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Stock option valuation adds forensic accounting costs.
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). Lexington Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Lexington, Virginia?
Custody in Lexington is based on the best 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. Lexington J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Lexington Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
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 Lexington Circuit Court.
How are stock options divided in a Lexington divorce?
Stock options granted during marriage are marital property under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court values options as of the date of separation. Vested options are divided immediately; unvested options may be divided using a formula based on the time of marriage versus the vesting period. A stock division lawyer Lexington can help trace and value these 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.