In Fairfax County, a divorce decree modification lawyer can help you change custody, support, or property terms under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789+ documented case results in Fairfax County. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Divorce decree modification in Fairfax County allows you to change the terms of your final divorce order when circumstances have substantially changed. Under Virginia law, the court can modify child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division orders. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division modifications. This means your case is handled by someone who literally wrote part of the law.
Virginia requires a material change in circumstances to modify most divorce terms. For child support, the change must be at least 15% from the current order amount. For custody, the change must affect the child’s best interests. For spousal support, you must show a change in either party’s financial situation. Property division modifications are rare and require proof of fraud, mistake, or mutual agreement.
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce modification statutes, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines). Court procedures are available at the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce modification cases. The court requires a formal motion and supporting affidavit showing the change in circumstances. Judges in Fairfax County expect detailed financial disclosures and evidence of the material change.
- Gather evidence of the material change in circumstances (job loss, income change, relocation, health issues).
- File a motion to modify with the Fairfax County Circuit Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210.
- Serve the motion on the other party through sheriff or private process server (cost: $12-$100).
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically set within 21-60 days of filing).
- Present your evidence and proposed new terms to the judge.
- Receive the court’s modified order, which replaces the original terms.
In Fairfax County, failing to comply with a divorce decree can result in contempt of court, fines, and potential jail time.
| Issue | Modification Standard | Timeframe | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Custody | Material change affecting best interests | 2-6 months | J&DR Court | $86 | GAL: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | 15% change from current order | 2-4 months | J&DR Court | $86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hr |
| Spousal Support | Material change in financial circumstances | 3-8 months | Circuit Court | $86 | Process server: $50-$100 |
| Property Division | Fraud, mistake, or mutual agreement | 6-12 months | Circuit Court | $86 | Forensic accountant: $2,000-$5,000+ |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ total documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in Virginia divorces. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law attorney in Fairfax County can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Samantha Powers handles all Virginia family law matters including divorce decree modifications, custody disputes, and equitable distribution.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is located near the Fairfax County courts at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and the Fairfax County Parkway.
Looking for a divorce decree modification lawyer near Fairfax County? We serve Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Can I modify my divorce decree in Fairfax County?
Yes. Virginia law allows modification of custody, support, and property terms when you show a material change in circumstances since the original order.
How long does a divorce modification take in Fairfax County?
It depends. Uncontested modifications with agreement take 2-4 months. Contested modifications requiring a hearing take 4-8 months. Complex cases with business valuation take 6-12 months.
What qualifies as a material change for child support modification?
A 15% or more change from the current child support amount qualifies. Common examples include job loss, promotion, change in parenting time, or a child’s special needs.
Can I modify spousal support after remarriage?
Yes. Spousal support typically terminates upon the recipient’s remarriage. You can file a motion to terminate support with proof of the remarriage.
Do I need a lawyer to modify my divorce decree?
It depends. While you can file pro se, a divorce decree modification lawyer in Fairfax County can help you meet the strict evidentiary standards and avoid procedural errors that delay your case.