In Arlington County, a divorce decree modification under Va. Code § 20-107.3 requires a material change in circumstances. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Arlington County team handles custody, support, and property adjustments. Consultation by appointment.
Under Virginia law, a divorce decree is not necessarily permanent. When circumstances change significantly — such as a job loss, relocation, or a child’s changing needs — you may petition the court to modify divorce order lawyer Arlington County terms. The legal standard for modification is a “material change in circumstances” that was not anticipated at the time of the original decree. For child support, Virginia uses statutory guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1. For spousal support, the court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Custody modifications require showing that the change benefits the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.2. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997), personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into Virginia family law.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the official text of Virginia’s divorce and modification statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court procedures and forms, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce decree modifications. The court requires a verified petition showing the material change. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody and support modifications. Our change divorce terms lawyer Arlington County team knows that Arlington judges expect detailed financial affidavits with supporting documentation.
- Gather documentation of the material change (pay stubs, medical records, relocation notice).
- File a verified petition for modification at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd).
- Serve the other party with the petition and summons.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Present evidence at the final hearing before the judge.
In Arlington County, failure to comply with a divorce decree can result in contempt of court, fines, and even jail time.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Consequence for Non-Compliance | Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Support Modification | Material change in circumstances | Wage garnishment, license suspension, contempt | J&DR Court |
| Spousal Support Modification | Material change in circumstances | Contempt, fines, arrears judgment | Circuit Court |
| Custody Modification | Material change benefiting child | Change of custody, supervised visitation | J&DR or Circuit Court |
| Property Division Modification | Fraud, mistake, or newly discovered asset | Equitable adjustment, sanctions | Circuit 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. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other family law firm in Arlington County can claim. Our Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Arlington County team includes attorneys who have handled hundreds of modification cases in Arlington County courts.
In Arlington County, our firm has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Specific family law results include dismissals and favorable modifications in Arlington County J&DR and Circuit Courts. Our modify divorce order lawyer Arlington County team has successfully modified child support, spousal support, and custody orders for Arlington County residents.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is located near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Arlington County, including Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Arlington County — near the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
24/7 phone consultations. By appointment only.
Yes, you can modify a divorce decree in Arlington County if you show a material change in circumstances.
Can I modify my divorce decree in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes, Virginia courts allow modification of child support, spousal support, and custody orders when a material change in circumstances has occurred since the original decree. The change must be significant and not anticipated at the time of the divorce. File your petition at Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court depending on the issue.
It depends. Child support modification typically takes 2-4 months if uncontested; contested cases take 6-12 months.
How long does a divorce decree modification take in Arlington County?
It depends. An uncontested modification with agreement from both parties can be completed in 2-4 months from filing. A contested modification requiring a hearing typically takes 6-12 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary relief are usually set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
Yes, Virginia law allows modification of spousal support when either party experiences a material change in circumstances.
Can spousal support be modified in Arlington County?
Yes, spousal support (alimony) can be modified upon a showing of a material change in circumstances. Common reasons include job loss, retirement, remarriage, or a significant change in income. The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. File your petition at Arlington County Circuit Court.
No, property division is generally not modifiable after the divorce decree is final, except for fraud or mistake.
Can property division be modified after divorce in Arlington County?
No, Virginia’s equitable distribution of marital property is generally final and not modifiable after the divorce decree. Exceptions exist only for fraud, mutual mistake, or newly discovered assets that were hidden during the divorce. Contact a change divorce terms lawyer Arlington County to evaluate your specific situation.
Yes, child custody can be modified if you show a material change in circumstances that benefits the child’s best interests.
How do I modify child custody in Arlington County?
Yes, file a petition for custody modification at Arlington County J&DR Court (for standalone custody) or Circuit Court (if part of a divorce case). You must show a material change in circumstances and that the modification serves the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent.
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.