International Assets Divorce Lawyer Colonial Heights: Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia courts can divide overseas property in a divorce. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Colonial Heights. Mr. Sris personally amended this equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means the court divides marital property fairly — not necessarily 50/50. The statute at Va. Code § 20-107.3 lists 11 factors the court considers when dividing assets, including international assets such as foreign real estate, overseas bank accounts, and foreign business interests. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. For an International Assets Divorce Lawyer Colonial Heights, understanding how Virginia courts assert jurisdiction over foreign property is critical. The court can issue orders regarding overseas property if it has personal jurisdiction over both spouses, even if the property itself is outside the United States.
For the official text of Virginia’s equitable distribution law, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and filing information, visit the Colonial Heights General District Court website.
Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases. When international assets are involved, the court requires detailed documentation of foreign property values and ownership structures. The process typically requires a forensic accountant with international experience.
- Identify all international assets — real estate, bank accounts, business interests, retirement accounts held abroad.
- Gather documentation: deeds, account statements, business registration records from the foreign country.
- Obtain professional valuations in U.S. dollars for each foreign asset.
- File a complaint for divorce with a request for equitable distribution at Colonial Heights Circuit Court.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing if temporary support or asset preservation orders are needed.
- Participate in discovery, including interrogatories and depositions about foreign assets.
In Colonial Heights, Virginia family law cases involving international assets follow equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, with no fixed penalty but significant financial consequences for hidden assets.
| Issue | Classification | Court Action | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden foreign assets | Fraud on the court | Sanctions, contempt | Up to 100% of hidden asset value awarded to other spouse | Attorney fees, criminal referral possible |
| Failure to disclose overseas accounts | Discovery violation | Court order to produce | Costs of motion + potential adverse inference | Delays final decree |
| Transfer of foreign property during divorce | Dissipation of marital assets | Offset in property division | Value of transferred asset deducted from other spouse’s share | Contempt if court order violated |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — the very law that governs division of international assets in divorce. This achievement is unique among Virginia family law firms and provides an unmatched advantage when handling complex international asset cases in Colonial Heights.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results in Colonial Heights across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include dismissed reckless driving charges and amended charges. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Colonial Heights courts (550 Boulevard), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 144 (Temple Avenue), and Route 36.
International Assets Divorce Lawyer near Colonial Heights — near Southpark Mall and the Colonial Heights Courthouse on Boulevard.
Neighborhoods served: Colonial Heights.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Can a Virginia court divide property located in another country?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia courts can include foreign property in equitable distribution if the court has personal jurisdiction over both spouses. The court issues orders regarding the value of overseas assets and may offset the value against other marital property.
How long does a divorce with international assets take in Colonial Heights?
It depends. A contested divorce with complex international assets can take 12-24 months. Uncontested cases with a signed separation agreement may resolve in 2-4 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support typically occur within 21-60 days of filing.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. The court divides marital property fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not automatically 50/50. Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, by inheritance, or as gifts — is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Colonial Heights?
Custody 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. Colonial Heights J&DR Court handles standalone custody; Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Cases are filed at Colonial Heights Circuit Court.
How much does a divorce cost in Colonial Heights?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Additional costs: sheriff service ($12), private process server ($50-$100), Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Complex international asset cases may require forensic accountants and foreign law experts.
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Divorce & Family Law Lawyer hub page. For nearby localities, see our Henrico County divorce lawyer or Chesterfield County divorce lawyer pages. For other legal needs in Colonial Heights, see our Colonial Heights criminal defense lawyer page.
Learn more about our legal team on our attorney profile page and visit our Richmond office location page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.