In Prince William County, a divorce decree modification under Va. Code § 20-107.3 allows you to change spousal support, child custody, or property terms when circumstances have substantially changed. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 documented case results in Prince William County. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Prince William County can help you adjust your court order.
What Is a Divorce Decree Modification in Virginia?
Virginia law allows you to petition the court to modify a final divorce decree when there has been a material change in circumstances. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), the court can adjust spousal support, child support, and custody arrangements. The statute requires you to show that the change is substantial and was not anticipated at the time of the original decree. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Prince William County can evaluate whether your situation meets this legal standard.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Statutory Basis for Modifying a Divorce Decree
Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a divorce decree modification requires proof of a material change in circumstances. This statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how Prince William County Circuit Court divides marital property and adjusts support orders. The court considers 11 factors when deciding whether to modify spousal support, including the financial resources of both parties and the standard of living during the marriage.
Official Legal Resources
Review the official statutes and court information for divorce decree modifications in Prince William County:
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Equitable Distribution) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Prince William County General District Court — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge: How Modification Cases Work in Prince William County
Prince William County Circuit Court handles all divorce decree modifications. The court requires a formal motion and a hearing before a judge. You must serve the other party with the motion papers. The court typically schedules a hearing within 60-90 days of filing.
- Gather evidence of the material change in circumstances (job loss, income change, relocation).
- File a motion to modify with Prince William County Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue.
- Serve the other party with the motion and a summons.
- Attend the hearing and present your evidence to the judge.
- Receive the court’s order modifying the decree terms.
In Prince William County, failing to comply with a divorce decree can result in contempt of court, fines, and potential jail time.
| Issue | Classification | Consequence | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months in jail | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
| Failure to pay child support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months in jail | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Tax refund interception, passport denial |
| Violation of custody order | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months in jail | Up to $2,500 | None | Custody modification, supervised visitation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Divorce Decree Modification?
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs divorce decree modifications in Virginia. This gives our firm unique insight into how Prince William County courts interpret modification requests.
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 focuses exclusively on Virginia family law matters, including divorce decree modifications in Prince William County.
Case Results in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 total documented case results across all practice areas in Prince William County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include successful divorce decree modifications for clients who experienced job loss, income reduction, or changes in custody needs.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Location Serving Prince William County
Our Fairfax location is approximately 20 minutes from Prince William County Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We serve clients throughout Prince William County including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
Looking for a divorce decree modification lawyer near Prince William County? Our firm handles modifications for clients throughout the area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Decree Modifications in Prince William County
Can I modify my divorce decree in Prince William County?
Yes. You can modify a divorce decree in Prince William County if you show a material change in circumstances. The court considers factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. File your motion at Prince William County Circuit Court.
How long does a divorce decree modification take in Prince William County?
It depends. An uncontested modification with agreement from both parties can take 2-4 months. A contested modification requiring a hearing typically takes 6-12 months. Prince William County Circuit Court schedules hearings within 60-90 days of filing.
What qualifies as a material change in circumstances for a modification?
Yes. Common examples include job loss, significant income change, relocation, remarriage, health issues, or changes in children’s needs. The change must be substantial and not anticipated at the time of the original decree. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs this standard.
How much does it cost to file for a divorce decree modification in Prince William County?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a motion to modify is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process ($12), private process server ($50-$100), and attorney fees. Guardian ad Litem for custody modifications typically costs $500-$2,500+.
Can I modify child support without going to court in Prince William County?
It depends. If both parents agree to the modification, you can submit a consent order to Prince William County Circuit Court. If you disagree, you must file a motion and attend a hearing. The court uses Virginia child support guidelines to calculate the new amount.
What happens if my ex-spouse refuses to comply with the modified decree?
Yes. You can file a motion for contempt with Prince William County Circuit Court. The court can impose fines up to $2,500, order jail time up to 12 months, or garnish wages. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Prince William County can help enforce the court order.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Fairfax County Divorce Lawyer
- Manassas Divorce Lawyer
- Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince William County DUI Lawyer
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.