In Arlington County, a post divorce modification under Va. Code § 20-107.3 allows you to change spousal support or property terms. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended this equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Understanding Post Divorce Modifications in Arlington County
A post divorce modification is a legal process to change a final divorce decree when circumstances have substantially changed. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court can modify spousal support, child support, and property division orders. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. The Arlington County Circuit Court handles all modification requests. You must show a material change in circumstances since the original decree was entered.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For post divorce modifications, the controlling statute is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which governs equitable distribution and its modification. This differs from the general divorce statute (Va. Code § 20-91) because it specifically addresses how courts can revisit and alter property and support awards after the final decree. The key legal standard is a “material change in circumstances” that was not anticipated at the time of the original divorce.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Virginia General Assembly) and the Arlington County General District Court website for procedural information.
Insider Procedural Edge for Arlington County Modifications
Arlington County Circuit Court requires a verified petition showing changed circumstances. The court schedules a hearing within 60-90 days of filing. Judges in the 17th Judicial District expect detailed financial affidavits.
Arlington County prosecutors and family court judges routinely scrutinize modification requests for hidden income or assets. Forensic accountants are common in complex cases.
- File a verified petition for modification at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
- Serve the other party with the petition and summons at least 21 days before the hearing.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing if temporary relief is needed during the process.
- Participate in discovery, including financial affidavits and document production.
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court to attempt settlement.
- Present evidence at the final modification hearing before the judge.
In Arlington County, failing to comply with a divorce decree can result in contempt of court with serious legal consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (failure to pay support) | Civil/Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax refund intercept |
| Failure to comply with property division | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Judgment lien, asset seizure |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Modification
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has documented 4,739+ 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 post divorce modifications in Virginia. This achievement gives the firm unparalleled authority in Arlington County family law matters. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO and Managing Attorney, also oversees complex family law matters. He is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted to practice in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Arlington County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include successful modifications of spousal support, child support, and property division orders.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington County Location
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Looking for a post divorce modification lawyer near Arlington County? We serve clients throughout the area.
We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Post Divorce Modifications
How long does a post divorce modification take in Arlington County?
Yes. An uncontested modification with agreement takes 2-4 months. A contested modification with a hearing takes 6-12 months. Complex financial issues can extend the timeline to 12-18 months. Arlington County Circuit Court schedules modification hearings within 60-90 days of filing.
Can I modify my divorce decree without a lawyer?
It depends. You can file pro se, but modification requires showing a material change in circumstances with proper evidence. The court expects detailed financial affidavits and legal arguments. Most pro se modification petitions are denied for insufficient evidence or procedural errors.
What qualifies as a material change in circumstances for modification?
A material change includes job loss, significant income change, remarriage, cohabitation, health issues, or relocation. The change must be substantial and not anticipated at the time of the original decree. Minor changes typically do not qualify for modification under Virginia law.
How much does a post divorce modification cost in Arlington County?
Circuit Court filing fee for modification petition: approximately $86. Attorney fees vary based on complexity. Contested modifications with discovery and hearings cost more than agreed modifications. Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party if ordered by the court.
Can spousal support be modified after the final decree?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, spousal support can be modified upon showing a material change in circumstances. The court considers 13 statutory factors. Support can be increased, decreased, or terminated. Remarriage of the recipient automatically terminates spousal support.
What is the difference between modifying and appealing a divorce decree?
A modification changes future terms based on new circumstances. An appeal challenges the original decision based on legal errors. Modifications are filed in Circuit Court. Appeals go to the Virginia Court of Appeals. You have 30 days to appeal but can seek modification at any time with changed circumstances.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer page. If you need a lawyer in a nearby area, see our Alexandria Divorce Lawyer page. For other legal needs in Arlington County, consider our Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Arlington County DUI Lawyer.
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.