A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Chesapeake helps you change existing court orders for child support, custody, or spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. You need a material change in circumstances to modify a decree.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, a divorce decree modification requires showing a material change in circumstances since the original order. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution modifications, while § 20-108.1 covers child support adjustments. The court at 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322 reviews these petitions. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving the firm unique insight into this statute.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and the Chesapeake General District Court website for procedural rules.
In Chesapeake Circuit Court, judges require specific evidence of changed circumstances. You must file a motion with supporting affidavits. The court sets a hearing within 21-60 days for temporary relief. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Chesapeake prepares financial disclosures and witness statements for your hearing.
- Gather evidence of changed circumstances (job loss, relocation, health changes).
- File a motion to modify with Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive.
- Serve the other party with the motion and supporting documents.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary orders (21-60 days).
- Participate in mediation if ordered by the court.
- Present your case at the final modification hearing.
In Chesapeake, modifying a divorce decree requires proving a material change in circumstances; failure to comply with existing orders can result in contempt proceedings.
| Issue | Standard | Potential Outcome | Cost Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Support Modification | Material change in circumstances | Adjusted payment amount | Filing fee ~$86 | 2-4 months | Wage garnishment if arrears exist |
| Custody Modification | Material change + best interests | Modified parenting time | GAL fee $500-$2,500+ | 3-6 months | Relocation restrictions |
| Spousal Support Modification | Material change in circumstances | Increased, decreased, or terminated | Mediation $100-$300/hour | 4-8 months | Tax implications |
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 across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. This achievement gives the firm direct knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on all family law cases. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has practiced family law since 1997.
In Chesapeake, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 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.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and I-664. We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Chesapeake is available near the Greenbrier area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes, uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce takes 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution with business valuation takes 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs approximately $12. Private process server costs $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody typically costs $500-$2,500+. Mediation costs $100-$300/hour per party.
Is Virginia a community property state?
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). Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Custody in Chesapeake is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
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.