Fauquier County Business Valuation Divorce Lawyer — How Is Your Company Valued?
A business valuation divorce lawyer in Fauquier County is essential when a company is part of marital property. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a business is subject to equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 documented case results in Fauquier County. Our firm provides full representation for complex property division, including determining company value in divorce.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Business Valuation in Divorce
In Virginia, a business owned during marriage is marital property subject to division. The process of determining a company’s worth is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. This law requires a fair, but not necessarily equal, division of all marital assets, which includes business interests, professional practices, and partnership shares. The court considers the business’s value as of the date of the evidentiary hearing on equitable distribution.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended this statute, providing our firm with deep insight into its application. The statute outlines specific factors the court must weigh, including contributions to the business’s acquisition, maintenance, and value by each spouse.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). All divorce and property division cases in Fauquier County are filed at the Fauquier County Circuit Court.
Fauquier County Procedures for Business Appraisal
In Fauquier County Circuit Court, business valuation often requires experienced testimony. The court may appoint a neutral forensic accountant or accept valuations from experts hired by each party. The goal is to establish a fair market value—what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller.
- Identify all business interests: This includes sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, and professional corporations.
- Gather financial records: Provide tax returns, profit/loss statements, balance sheets, and business plans for the last 3-5 years.
- Retain a forensic accountant or business appraiser: Your attorney will help select a qualified experienced to conduct a formal valuation.
- Determine separate vs. marital property: Distinguish between business value that existed before marriage (separate) and growth during marriage (marital).
- Negotiate or litigate the value: Use the appraisal to reach a settlement or present evidence in court.
- Address distribution: Decide if the business-owning spouse will keep the company and offset its value with other assets, or if a sale is necessary.
Potential Outcomes and Considerations
In Fauquier County, the value of a business in divorce can significantly impact the final property settlement, affecting both asset division and potential spousal support calculations.
| Valuation Method | Common Use | Key Factors Considered |
|---|---|---|
| Asset-Based Approach | Holding companies, real estate | Fair market value of assets minus liabilities |
| Income Approach | Service businesses, professional practices | Discounted future cash flows, earning capacity |
| Market Approach | Businesses with comparable sales | Sales of similar businesses in the industry |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience in Complex Property Division
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, our team handles complex financial divorces. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 gives us a distinct advantage in arguing equitable distribution cases before Fauquier County judges.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has 73 documented case results across all practice areas in Fauquier County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. While specific results are confidential, our experience includes successfully negotiating and litigating property settlements involving closely held businesses, professional practices, and partnership interests.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Business Valuation Divorce Lawyer Near Fauquier County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton). We are accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We represent clients in Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a business appraisal needed in a Fauquier County divorce?
It depends. A formal business appraisal is typically needed when a spouse owns a significant interest in a company, professional practice, or partnership that was acquired or grew in value during the marriage. An experienced business appraisal divorce lawyer in Fauquier County can assess if your situation requires this step.
Who pays for the business valuation in a divorce?
Often, each party pays for their own experienced. However, the court can order one spouse to contribute to the other’s costs, or appoint a neutral experienced whose fee is split. Your attorney can advise on the most strategic approach for your case.
What if my spouse runs the business and I have no involvement?
You may still be entitled to a share of its marital value. Virginia law recognizes non-monetary contributions to a marriage that enable a spouse to grow a business. A lawyer can fight to include the company’s increased value in the marital estate.
How is a company’s value in divorce calculated in Virginia?
Experts use standard methods: the asset, income, or market approach. They analyze financial records, market conditions, and goodwill. The goal is fair market value. A skilled company value in divorce lawyer Fauquier County will ensure all relevant factors are considered.
Can I keep my business in the divorce?
Yes, it is common. The spouse who retains the business often offsets its value by giving up a larger share of other marital assets, like retirement accounts or real estate, or by making an equalizing payment to the other spouse over time.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in Fauquier County and DUI defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.