In Arlington County, a divorce decree modification under Va. Code § 20-107.3 requires showing a material change in circumstances. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington. Mr. Sris personally amended this equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
What Is a Divorce Decree Modification in Virginia?
A divorce decree modification allows you to change the terms of your final divorce order when circumstances have substantially changed since the original decree. Under Virginia law, the court can modify spousal support, child support, and custody arrangements, but property division is generally final. The key statute governing modifications is Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris).
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce modification statutes, see Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are governed by the Arlington County General District Court website.
How a Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Arlington County Handles Your Case
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges require clear evidence of a material change in circumstances before modifying a divorce decree. This is not a simple re-litigation of your original case.
Arlington County courts apply the 11-factor test under Va. Code § 20-107.3 for spousal support modifications. For child support, the Virginia guidelines are recalculated based on current income.
- Gather documentation showing the material change (job loss, health change, income increase, relocation).
- File a motion to modify with the Arlington County Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Serve the other party with the motion and supporting affidavits.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing if temporary relief is needed during the modification process.
- Present evidence at the final modification hearing before the judge.
In Arlington County, failing to comply with a divorce decree can result in contempt of court, fines, and potential jail time.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay spousal support | Contempt of court | Fines, wage garnishment, jail up to 12 months |
| Failure to pay child support | Contempt + administrative penalties | License suspension, tax intercept, jail up to 12 months |
| Violation of custody order | Contempt of court | Custody modification, fines, jail up to 12 months |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Divorce Decree Modification?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia 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 Virginia can claim.
Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Arlington County specifically, we have 115 documented case results with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Mr. Sris, our firm’s founder and managing attorney, brings his former prosecutor background and his personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 to every complex family law case. He accepts a limited number of modification matters requiring advanced strategy.
Arlington County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington Location serves clients at the Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are accessible via major highways and serve the neighborhoods of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Decree Modification in Arlington County
Can I modify my divorce decree in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes, you can modify spousal support, child support, and custody terms if you show a material change in circumstances since the original decree. Property division is generally final under Va. Code § 20-107.3. File your motion at Arlington County Circuit Court.
How long does a divorce decree modification take in Arlington County?
It depends. Uncontested modifications with agreement from both parties can take 2-4 months. Contested modifications requiring a hearing typically take 6-12 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary relief are set within 21-60 days of filing.
What qualifies as a material change in circumstances for modification?
A material change includes job loss, significant income change, health issues, relocation, remarriage, or a change in the child’s needs. The change must be substantial and not anticipated at the time of the original decree. Arlington County judges apply strict standards.
How much does it cost to file for a divorce decree modification in Arlington County?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a motion to modify is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process ($12) or private process server ($50-$100), and potentially Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+) if custody is involved.
Can I modify my divorce decree without a lawyer in Arlington County?
Yes, you can file pro se, but it is not recommended. Modification proceedings involve complex legal standards, evidentiary requirements, and procedural rules. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Arlington County can help you present the strongest case.
Is Virginia a community property state for divorce modifications?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Property division is generally not modifiable after the final decree.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve Alexandria and offer criminal defense services in Arlington County.
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.