In the context of marital dissolution in Virginia, assets acquired during the marriage are subject to equitable distribution. This includes real estate, personal possessions, financial accounts, and retirement funds accumulated from the date of marriage until the date of separation. For instance, a house purchased jointly during the marriage, even if one spouse contributed more financially, is generally considered marital and subject to division.
The fair division of marital assets is a critical aspect of divorce proceedings, impacting the financial stability of both parties post-divorce. Historically, division laws favored the spouse with less financial independence; current Virginia statute seeks an equitable, though not necessarily equal, distribution based on various factors. This ensures a just outcome that considers contributions to the marriage, both financial and non-financial, as well as other relevant circumstances.