In Arlington County, Virginia, equitable distribution of international assets under Va. Code § 20-107.3 requires tracing and valuing overseas property. An International Assets Divorce Lawyer Arlington County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. For international assets, the court applies Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. This statute gives the court authority to divide all marital property, including real estate, bank accounts, and business interests located overseas. The court considers 11 factors, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the tax consequences of dividing foreign assets. An overseas property divorce lawyer Arlington County must trace whether the asset is marital or separate property under Virginia law, which may differ from the foreign jurisdiction’s characterization.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, international assets include foreign real estate, overseas retirement accounts, foreign business interests, and offshore bank accounts. The court must determine its jurisdiction over the asset and whether it can issue orders affecting property outside the United States. A foreign asset division lawyer Arlington County must also consider the Hague Convention on the Recognition of Divorce Decrees and any applicable treaties.
For the official statute text, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
In Arlington County Circuit Court, international asset cases require a forensic accountant with cross-border experience. The court may appoint a commissioner in chancery to take evidence abroad. The key procedural fact is that Virginia courts can divide foreign real estate even if the foreign country does not recognize the decree, by offsetting the value with other marital assets.
- Identify all international assets and their current market value.
- Determine whether each asset is marital or separate property under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
- Obtain translated copies of foreign deeds, account statements, and business records.
- Retain a forensic accountant with international valuation experience.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and asset preservation.
- Attend mediation or a hearing on equitable distribution at Arlington County Circuit Court.
In Arlington County, failure to disclose international assets in a divorce can result in the court setting aside the final decree and awarding sanctions.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to disclose foreign asset | Civil contempt | None | Up to $2,500 | None | Court may award the undisclosed asset entirely to the other spouse |
| Perjury in financial disclosure | Class 5 felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of credibility in all future court proceedings |
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs international asset division in Virginia. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ 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 near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. An International Assets Divorce Lawyer Arlington County near Arlington serves clients in 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 No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Can a Virginia court divide property located in another country?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia courts can include foreign assets in the marital estate for equitable distribution. The court may order the spouse who controls the foreign asset to pay an offsetting amount from domestic assets if the foreign country does not recognize the Virginia decree.
How long does an international assets divorce take in Arlington County?
It depends. Complex international asset cases typically take 12-24 months from filing to final decree. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support and asset preservation are set within 21-60 days of motion. The timeline depends on the number of foreign jurisdictions involved and the complexity of asset tracing.
Is Virginia a community property state for international assets?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. International assets are divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not automatically 50/50. Separate property (acquired before marriage, by inheritance, or by gift) is excluded from division.
What happens if my spouse hides overseas assets?
If the court finds a spouse intentionally concealed foreign assets, it may award the entire value of the undisclosed asset to the other spouse. The court can also impose sanctions, including attorney’s fees and costs of the forensic accounting. Perjury in financial disclosure is a Class 5 felony.
Do I need a forensic accountant for international asset division?
It depends. For cases involving foreign real estate, overseas business interests, or offshore accounts, a forensic accountant with international experience is strongly recommended. The accountant traces asset values, converts foreign currency, and calculates tax consequences of the division.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.