In Lexington, Virginia, divorce decree modification under Va. Code § 20-107.3 allows you to change support, custody, or property terms when circumstances change. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Lexington can help you adjust your court order.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law allows you to modify divorce order lawyer Lexington clients rely on when their financial or family situation changes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court can adjust spousal support, child support, and custody arrangements. You must show a material change in circumstances since the original decree. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., giving our firm unique insight into its application.
For child support modifications, Virginia uses guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support changes require proof of a change in either party’s financial situation. Custody modifications need evidence that the current arrangement harms the child’s best interests. The Lexington Circuit Court at 2 South Main Street handles all divorce modification cases.
Review the official statute: Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution and modification). Visit the Lexington General District Court website for local procedures.
Lexington Circuit Court requires a motion and supporting affidavit showing changed circumstances. The court schedules a hearing within 60-90 days. You must serve the other party with the motion. The judge reviews financial affidavits and may order mediation before trial.
- Gather evidence of changed circumstances (job loss, income change, relocation).
- File a motion to modify with Lexington Circuit Court.
- Serve the other party with the motion and supporting documents.
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court.
- Present your case at the modification hearing.
- Receive the court’s modified order.
In Lexington, modifying a divorce decree involves court costs and potential attorney fees; the court may award fees to the prevailing party.
| Issue | Standard | Court Costs | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spousal Support Modification | Material change in circumstances | Filing fee: ~$86 | 60-90 days to hearing | Retroactive modification possible |
| Child Support Modification | Change in income or custody | Filing fee: ~$86 | 45-60 days | Guidelines recalculated |
| Custody Modification | Harm to child’s best interests | Filing fee: ~$86 | 60-120 days | Guardian ad Litem may be appointed |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs divorce decree modifications in Virginia. This achievement gives our firm unmatched authority in Lexington family law matters.
Our firm-wide favorable outcome rate is 93%+. We handle complex modification cases involving business valuation, retirement assets, and international assets. Our attorneys have experience in Lexington Circuit Court and understand local procedures.
In Lexington, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include traffic and family law matters handled at Lexington General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street).
Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Lexington — near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.
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Q: Can I modify my divorce decree in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes. You can modify spousal support, child support, and custody if you show a material change in circumstances since the original decree. File a motion with Lexington Circuit Court. The court reviews financial affidavits and may order mediation.
Q: How long does a divorce decree modification take in Lexington?
It depends. Uncontested modifications with agreement take 30-60 days. Contested modifications with hearings take 60-120 days. Complex cases involving business valuation or retirement assets may take 4-8 months. Lexington Circuit Court schedules hearings within 60-90 days of filing.
Q: What qualifies as a material change in circumstances for modification?
A material change includes job loss, significant income change, relocation, remarriage, cohabitation, change in child’s needs, or change in custody arrangement. The change must be substantial and not anticipated at the time of the original decree. The court evaluates each case individually.
Q: How much does it cost to modify a divorce decree in Lexington?
Circuit Court filing fee for a modification motion: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Attorney fees vary based on complexity. Mediation costs: $100-$300/hour per party. Guardian ad Litem for custody: $500-$2,500+.
Q: Can I change child support without going to court?
No. You must file a motion with Lexington Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to modify child support. Both parents must be served. The court recalculates support using Virginia guidelines based on current income. You can agree on a new amount, but the court must approve it.
Q: What happens if my ex-spouse refuses to comply with the modified order?
You can file a motion for contempt with Lexington Circuit Court. The court can order wage garnishment, property liens, or jail time for willful non-compliance. You must show the other party received notice and had the ability to comply. A change divorce terms lawyer Lexington can help enforce the order.
Q: Is mediation required before a modification hearing in Lexington?
It depends. Lexington Circuit Court often orders mediation for custody and support modifications. Mediation is not mandatory for spousal support modifications. The court may waive mediation in cases involving domestic violence. Mediation costs $100-$300/hour per party and typically takes 2-4 hours.
Q: Can I modify a divorce decree if I move out of Virginia?
Yes. Virginia retains jurisdiction over spousal support and property division even if you move. Child support and custody jurisdiction may transfer to your new state under UCCJEA. You must file the modification motion in the court that issued the original decree. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Lexington can advise on multi-state issues.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.