Arlington County Alimony Modification Lawyer — Can Your Spousal Support Order Be Changed?
If your financial situation or your former spouse’s has changed significantly, you may need an alimony modification lawyer Arlington County. Virginia law under Va. Code § 20-109 allows courts to modify or terminate spousal support orders based on a material change in circumstances. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Modifying Alimony
Spousal support, or alimony, is not necessarily permanent in Virginia. The court retains the authority to review and adjust support orders when circumstances warrant. The primary statute governing this process is Va. Code § 20-109. This law permits the court to modify the amount or duration of spousal support, or even terminate it, upon a petition filed by either party. The petitioner must prove a material change in circumstances that justifies the modification. This change must have occurred after the entry of the most recent support order and must not have been reasonably anticipated at the time of that order. Common examples include involuntary job loss, a substantial increase or decrease in either party’s income, serious illness or disability, remarriage of the supported spouse, or retirement.
Official Resources & Court Information
Understanding the legal process begins with the official statutes and the local court procedures. For Virginia law, refer to the official Virginia Code on Support Proceedings. All petitions to modify spousal support in Arlington County are filed with the Arlington County Circuit Court located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. The court handles the full modification process, from filing the petition to the final hearing.
- Consult with an Attorney: Discuss your changed circumstances with a family law attorney to assess the strength of your case for modification.
- Gather Documentation: Collect financial records, pay stubs, tax returns, medical reports, or other evidence proving the material change.
- File a Petition: Your attorney will prepare and file a formal Petition to Modify Spousal Support with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the Other Party: The petition must be legally served on your former spouse, who then has time to file a response.
- Attend Hearings: The court may schedule preliminary hearings and ultimately a final evidentiary hearing where both parties present evidence and arguments.
- Court’s Decision: The judge will issue a new order either granting, denying, or adjusting the requested modification.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Modification Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. A key point of distinction is that Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep, substantive involvement in the evolution of Virginia family law. This foundational experience informs our approach to all support modification cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in Arlington County
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes for clients in Arlington County courts across various practice areas. For instance, we have successfully secured dismissals in assault and domestic violence cases in Arlington County courts. While every case is unique, these results reflect our commitment to vigorous representation and understanding of local court procedures.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Arlington County Alimony Modification Lawyer
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
Phones answered 24/7/365. In-person meetings by appointment only.
We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Our Arlington location is conveniently situated for clients with matters at the Arlington County Courthouse. As an alimony modification lawyer Arlington County residents consult, we offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your need to modify an alimony order lawyer Arlington County can rely on.
Frequently Asked Questions: Modifying Spousal Support
What qualifies as a “material change” to modify alimony in Virginia?
It depends. A material change is a significant, unforeseen shift in circumstances affecting a party’s ability to pay or need for support. Common examples are involuntary job loss, a 25%+ change in income, serious illness, disability, remarriage of the supported spouse, or the payor’s retirement. The change must not have been anticipated when the last order was set.
Can I modify alimony if my ex-spouse gets a better job?
Yes. A substantial increase in the supported spouse’s income can be grounds to reduce or terminate your alimony obligation. You must file a petition with the court and prove the increase is material and alters the original basis for the support award. An experienced change spousal support lawyer Arlington County can help gather the necessary evidence.
How long does it take to modify a spousal support order?
The timeline varies. After filing a petition in Arlington County Circuit Court, the process can take several months to over a year, depending on court scheduling, the complexity of the financial issues, and whether the case is contested. Temporary support modifications can sometimes be addressed more quickly through pendente lite motions.
Do I need a lawyer to modify my alimony order?
It is highly advisable. The legal standard for a “material change” is specific, and the burden of proof is on the petitioner. A skilled alimony modification lawyer Arlington County knows how to properly document the change, handle court procedures, and present a compelling case to the judge, significantly improving your chances of success.
What if my ex-spouse refuses to pay the modified amount?
If a spouse fails to comply with a court-ordered support modification, the other party can file a motion for contempt. The court can enforce the order through wage garnishment, seizure of assets, suspension of driver’s licenses, or even jail time for willful non-compliance. Enforcement actions are handled separately from the modification process.
Related Legal Services in Arlington County
If you are dealing with a spousal support issue, you may also need assistance with other family law matters. Our firm provides full representation in Arlington County for divorce and complex property division, criminal defense, and DUI/DWI cases. For a broader view of our family law practice across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring jurisdictions like Alexandria City.
Last updated: April 2026.