Westmoreland County, Virginia
Property Division Lawyer Westmoreland County VA
Equitable distribution of marital property in Westmoreland County follows Va. Code § 20-107.3. Shawna L. Stevens PLLC helps clients protect their financial interests in proceedings before the Westmoreland County Circuit Court.
Shawna L. Stevens
Family Law Attorney • Westmoreland County, VA
Westmoreland County Circuit Court
Family law matters in Westmoreland County are handled by the Westmoreland County Circuit Court, located at 175 Polk Street, Montross, VA 22520. The court is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. Hon. Victoria A. B. Willis, Chief Judge presides over civil and family law proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is equitable distribution in Virginia?
Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 means the court divides marital property fairly, not necessarily equally. The court weighs factors including each spouse's financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the circumstances leading to the divorce, and each spouse's current financial situation. A 50/50 split is common but not guaranteed.
Is property I owned before marriage protected?
Generally yes. Separate property — property owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance during the marriage — is not subject to equitable distribution. However, if separate property was commingled with marital assets, or if marital funds were used to improve it, it may become hybrid property with a marital component that is subject to division. Tracing is often required.
How are retirement accounts divided in Westmoreland County?
Retirement accounts accumulated during the marriage are marital property. Dividing them typically requires a QDRO — a court order directing the plan administrator to divide the account. QDROs must be drafted carefully and approved by both the court and the plan administrator. We handle this process to ensure the division is correctly executed and tax-efficient.
What factors does the Westmoreland County Circuit Court consider in dividing property?
The Westmoreland County Circuit Court applies the eleven factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3(E), including: each spouse's monetary and non-monetary contributions to the marriage, the duration of the marriage, each spouse's age and health, the circumstances leading to divorce, and how and when each asset was acquired. We present evidence on each applicable factor to support the most favorable outcome for you.
Also Serving These Counties
Stafford County • Spotsylvania County • King George County • Caroline County • Orange County.
Talk to a Property Division Lawyer in Westmoreland County
Shawna L. Stevens PLLC serves clients throughout Westmoreland County and the Northern Neck region. Call (540) 310-4088 or use the contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.