In Alexandria, Virginia, a divorce decree modification can adjust child support, custody, or spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Alexandria helps you handle this process.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
A divorce decree modification changes the terms of a final divorce order when circumstances have substantially changed. Under Virginia law, you must show a material change in circumstances since the original decree was entered. This applies to child custody, visitation, child support, and spousal support orders. The court at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320 handles these modifications. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Alexandria can evaluate whether your situation qualifies for a modification.
Divorce decree modification in Alexandria falls under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines). For custody modifications, Va. Code § 20-124.2 applies. A modify divorce order lawyer Alexandria understands which statute governs your specific request. The court requires proof of changed circumstances — not just a desire to revisit the original agreement.
Review the official Virginia statutes: Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines). For court procedures, visit the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorce decree modifications. You must file a motion showing a material change in circumstances since the last order. The court schedules a hearing typically within 60-90 days of filing.
- Gather evidence of changed circumstances (income loss, job change, relocation, health issues).
- File a motion to modify with Alexandria Circuit Court at 520 King Street.
- Serve the other party with the motion and supporting documents.
- Attend the hearing and present your evidence to the judge.
- Receive the court’s modified order if the judge finds sufficient grounds.
In Alexandria, Virginia, failing to comply with a divorce decree can result in contempt of court with penalties including fines and jail time.
| Issue | Classification | Potential Penalty | Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay child support | Civil contempt | Fines, wage garnishment, license suspension | Alexandria J&DR Court |
| Failure to pay spousal support | Civil contempt | Fines, potential jail time | Alexandria Circuit Court |
| Custody/visitation violation | Civil contempt | Fines, make-up visitation, custody modification | Alexandria J&DR Court |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a unique credential that demonstrates deep family law experience. 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 focuses exclusively on Virginia family law matters including divorce decree modifications.
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO and Managing Attorney, also oversees all family law cases. He is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
SRIS actively practices in Alexandria. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. For family law matters specifically, the firm has achieved numerous successful modifications of divorce decrees across Virginia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We are accessible via major highways in Northern Virginia.
Looking for a Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Alexandria near the Alexandria Courthouse? We serve clients throughout the area.
We serve Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce decree modification take in Alexandria?
It depends. Uncontested modifications with agreement from both parties can take 2-4 months. Contested modifications requiring a hearing typically take 4-8 months from filing to final order.
Can I modify child support without a lawyer in Alexandria?
Yes, you can file pro se, but the process requires specific evidence of changed circumstances. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Alexandria can help you present the strongest case.
What qualifies as a material change in circumstances for modification?
Common examples include job loss, significant income change, relocation, health issues, or changes in the child’s needs. The court evaluates each case individually under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Is Virginia a community property state for divorce modifications?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Property division is based on fairness under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not a 50/50 split. Modifications require showing the original division is no longer equitable.
Can I modify spousal support in Alexandria?
Yes. You must show a material change in circumstances since the original support order. The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 when deciding spousal support modifications.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.