Fauquier County Alimony Modification Lawyer — Can You Change Your Spousal Support Order?
If your financial situation has changed, you may need an alimony modification lawyer Fauquier County. Virginia law under Va. Code § 20-107.1 allows for modifying spousal support orders based on a material change in circumstances. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 documented case results in Fauquier County. We can help you file a petition to change spousal support in Fauquier County Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Modifying Alimony
Spousal support, or alimony, is not always permanent. Virginia law recognizes that life circumstances change. The court retains the power to modify the amount and duration of spousal support under Va. Code § 20-109, provided there is a material change in circumstances that warrants the change. This change must be significant and not something that was anticipated when the original order was entered. The process to modify alimony order lawyer Fauquier County clients need begins with filing a petition in the same Circuit Court that issued the original divorce decree.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statutes governing spousal support modification, you can review Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). All modification petitions are filed with the Fauquier County Circuit Court.
How to Seek an Alimony Modification in Fauquier County
Successfully changing a spousal support order requires precise legal procedure and strong evidence. The court will not modify an order based on temporary fluctuations or minor changes. You must demonstrate a substantial, ongoing change in the financial needs of the receiving spouse or the paying spouse’s ability to pay.
- Consult with an attorney to evaluate if your situation qualifies as a “material change.”
- Gather full financial documentation proving the change in circumstances.
- File a formal Petition to Modify Spousal Support with the Fauquier County Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the petition on your former spouse, who has the right to file a response.
- Attend a court hearing where both parties present evidence and arguments.
- Receive the judge’s written order granting or denying the modification.
What Constitutes a Material Change?
In Fauquier County, a material change for alimony modification is a significant, unforeseen shift in financial circumstances affecting either party’s ability to pay or need for support.
| Change for Payor | Change for Recipient | Potential Court Action |
|---|---|---|
| Involuntary job loss | Significant increase in income | Reduce or terminate support |
| Substantial decrease in income | Remarriage or cohabitation | Terminate support |
| Disability or serious illness | Improved earning capacity | Reduce support |
| Mandatory retirement | Inheritance or windfall | Reduce support |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Modification Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping family law. For your alimony modification, you need an attorney who understands both the financial intricacies and the local court’s expectations.
Samantha Powers
Primary Attorney for Virginia Family Law | Virginia Bar 2023 | Florida Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in Fauquier County
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes for clients in Fauquier County courts. For example, our team has successfully handled cases resulting in charges being reduced or amended. In one instance, a reckless driving charge was dropped to a simple speeding violation. In another, a DWI first offense resulted in a suspended fine and probation. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our secondary attorney on complex financial matters within family law is Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage.
Contact Our Fauquier County Alimony Modification Lawyer
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton). We represent clients in Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. For a change spousal support lawyer Fauquier County residents trust, contact us for 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Fauquier County Alimony Modification FAQs
What is required to modify alimony in Virginia?
Yes. You must prove a material change in circumstances that is substantial, ongoing, and was not foreseen when the original order was entered. This requires filing a petition in the Circuit Court that issued the decree.
Does remarriage automatically end alimony in Virginia?
Yes, in most cases. The remarriage of the spouse receiving support is grounds for termination of spousal support, unless otherwise stated in the original divorce decree or settlement agreement.
Can alimony be increased if I lose my job?
It depends. If the paying spouse loses their job involuntarily, they can petition to reduce or suspend payments. If the recipient loses their job, they may petition for an increase, but must show the loss was not voluntary and impacts their need.
How long does an alimony modification take in Fauquier County?
The timeline varies. An uncontested agreement can be processed in a few months. A contested hearing can take 6 to 12 months from filing to final order, depending on the court’s docket and complexity.
Where do I file for alimony modification in Fauquier County?
You must file a Petition to Modify Spousal Support with the Fauquier County Circuit Court, located at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186. This is the court that has continuing jurisdiction over your divorce decree.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist clients in Fairfax County and with criminal defense in Fauquier County.