Rent Escrow - What to expect?

[Maxim Khanin]

My tenant claimed there's mold in the unit (there was ~2 sq ft), I had an air quality test done in January, it passed - https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

Fast forward to February, she claims there's still mold in the air. She had her own test done, wont' share the results, and told me the levels are high. She send a 5-page demand letter on February 28th. She wanted the alleged mold remediated, or to move out (didn't give me a date and didn't want to pay for March).

After I told her I'll start eviction proceedings in a few days (stupid me... I know), she placed rent for March in a court escrow (how did she do that without a hearing first? our hearing date is in 3 weeks)

This is in Fairfax County, Virginia.

I'm meeting with a lawyer later this week, what should I ask him? What should I be on the lookout for?

Can I handle this on my own (to get the money out of the escrow?), or should I hire a lawyer? What sort of costs should I expect?

[Bjorn Ahlblad]

@Maxim Khanin if you are asking if you need a lawyer; you need a lawyer. You can be sure your tenant is bringing a free one!