In Fairfax County, Virginia, modifying a divorce decree requires showing a material change in circumstances under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Fairfax County can help you adjust support, custody, or property terms.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law allows modification of divorce decrees when there is a material change in circumstances. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court can adjust spousal support, child support, and property division orders. Mr. Sris personally amended this equitable distribution statute. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Fairfax County understands that the court requires proof of changed circumstances since the original decree was entered. The Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce modification cases at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Divorce decree modification in Virginia falls under Va. Code § 20-107.3 for spousal support and property division, and Va. Code § 20-108.1 for child support modifications. A modify divorce order lawyer Fairfax County must show that the change was not anticipated at the time of the original decree. The court applies a two-part test: first, has a material change occurred, and second, is modification in the best interest of the parties or children involved.
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Fairfax County General District Court (official court website)
Fairfax County Circuit Court requires a motion and supporting affidavit showing changed circumstances. The court sets a hearing within 60-90 days. You must serve the other party with the motion. The judge reviews financial affidavits and may order mediation.
- File a motion for modification with Fairfax County Circuit Court
- Prepare an affidavit showing material change in circumstances
- Serve the motion on the other party through sheriff or process server
- Attend the hearing with financial documentation
- Present evidence of changed circumstances to the judge
- Receive the court’s order modifying the decree
In Fairfax County, failure to comply with a divorce decree can result in contempt of court, fines, and potential jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of court (failure to pay support) | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension possible | Wage garnishment, bank levy |
| Contempt of court (custody violation) | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Make-up parenting time ordered |
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 firm-wide 4,739+ total documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs divorce decree modifications in Virginia. This amendment is a documented, real-world achievement that demonstrates deep experience in Virginia family law.
In Fairfax County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include successful divorce decree modifications for clients in Fairfax County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is minutes from the Fairfax County Circuit Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and Route 50.
Looking for a change divorce terms lawyer Fairfax County near Fairfax, Burke, or Centreville? We serve all Fairfax County communities.
We serve Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
By appointment only.
Q: Can I modify my divorce decree in Fairfax County?
Yes. Virginia law allows modification of divorce decrees when there is a material change in circumstances. You must file a motion with Fairfax County Circuit Court showing the change was not anticipated at the time of the original decree. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Fairfax County can help you prepare the required documentation.
Q: How long does a divorce decree modification take in Fairfax County?
It depends. Uncontested modifications with agreement from both parties typically take 2-4 months. Contested modifications requiring a hearing can take 6-12 months. The court sets pendente lite hearings for temporary relief within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
Q: What qualifies as a material change in circumstances for modification?
Yes. Common examples include job loss, significant income change, remarriage, relocation, health issues, or changes in children’s needs. The change must be substantial and not temporary. A modify divorce order lawyer Fairfax County can evaluate whether your situation meets the legal standard.
Q: Can I modify child support in Fairfax County?
Yes. Child support modification requires showing a material change in circumstances under Va. Code § 20-108.1. The court recalculates support using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Changes in custody time, income, or children’s needs typically qualify as material changes.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to modify my divorce decree in Fairfax County?
It depends. While you can file pro se, the modification process involves complex legal standards and procedural requirements. A change divorce terms lawyer Fairfax County can help you gather evidence, prepare motions, and present your case effectively in 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.