Arlington County Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer — Can Your Divorce Order Be Changed?
If your life circumstances have changed, you may need a divorce decree modification lawyer Arlington County. A final divorce order from Arlington County Circuit Court can be modified under Virginia law for substantial changes in income, health, or a child’s needs. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation to change divorce terms in Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Modifying a Divorce Decree
Virginia law allows for the modification of certain terms within a final divorce decree, but not all provisions can be changed. The ability to modify depends on the specific type of order and a showing of a material change in circumstances. The foundational statute is Va. Code § 20-109, which governs the modification and revocation of spousal support and maintenance orders. For child support, modifications are guided by Va. Code § 20-108.1 and the state’s child support guidelines. Custody and visitation modifications are evaluated under the “best interests of the child” standard outlined in Va. Code § 20-124.3. Critically, property division orders under Va. Code § 20-107.3 are typically final and cannot be modified after the decree is entered, except in very rare cases of fraud or clerical error.
- Gather documentation of your changed circumstances (pay stubs, medical records, job loss notice).
- File a formal Motion to Modify with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the filed motion and a notice of hearing on your former spouse.
- Attend the court hearing to present evidence supporting the need for modification.
- Obtain the judge’s signed order reflecting the approved changes to the decree.
What Parts of a Divorce Decree Can Be Modified?
In Arlington County, you can petition to modify child support, spousal support, and custody/visitation orders, but property division is generally final.
| Provision | Modifiable? | Legal Standard | Governing Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Support | Yes | Material change in circumstances or 3-year review | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Spousal Support | Yes | Material change in circumstances | Va. Code § 20-109 |
| Custody/Visitation | Yes | Best interests of the child | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Property Division | Rarely | Generally final; fraud or clerical error only | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Legal Authority for Modification in Arlington County
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law matters in Northern Virginia. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving us deep insight into the intent behind these laws. This experience is directly applicable when arguing why a support order should or should not be modified. We understand that a change in job status, a medical crisis, or a child’s evolving needs can make an existing court order unfair or unworkable. Our approach is to build a clear, documented case for the Arlington County Circuit Court judge, focusing on the legal standards required for modification.
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 record of advocating for clients in Arlington County courts. In one case, we successfully argued for a reduction in spousal support after our client experienced a involuntary 40% reduction in income due to industry downsizing. In another, we secured a modification of a custody schedule to accommodate a child’s new special education needs and therapy schedule. We have 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team includes Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor who personally contributed to amending Virginia’s equitable distribution law, providing strategic oversight on complex modification cases.
Contact Our Arlington County Modification Lawyers
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209 is strategically positioned to serve clients at the Arlington County Circuit Court. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Looking for a divorce decree modification lawyer near Arlington County? We offer 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Divorce Decree Modification FAQs for Arlington County
Can I modify my divorce decree in Arlington County?
Yes, but only specific parts. You can petition Arlington County Circuit Court to modify child support, spousal support, or custody/visitation orders if you prove a material change in circumstances. Property division orders are almost always final and cannot be modified.
What is a “material change in circumstances” for modifying support?
It depends on the facts. For spousal or child support, Virginia courts generally require a significant, ongoing change that was not foreseen when the original order was set. Examples include involuntary job loss, a major increase or decrease in income of either party, serious illness, or a change in the child’s needs. A temporary change may not be sufficient.
How long does it take to modify a divorce order in Arlington?
The timeline varies. An uncontested modification with an agreement can take 2-3 months. A contested hearing can take 4-8 months from filing to get on the court’s docket, depending on the complexity and the court’s schedule. Emergency motions for temporary orders can be heard more quickly.
Do I need a lawyer to modify my divorce decree?
It is highly recommended. The legal standards are specific, and the burden of proof is on the person requesting the change. A lawyer can ensure proper procedure, gather necessary evidence, and present a compelling case to the Arlington County Circuit Court judge.
Can my ex-spouse stop me from moving with our child?
Possibly. If your divorce decree or custody order does not address relocation, you must seek court permission to move a child’s residence a significant distance, especially if it impacts the other parent’s visitation. The court will evaluate the move under the child’s best interests, and your ex-spouse can object to the proposed change.
Resources and Next Steps
To understand the full legal framework, review the official Va. Code § 20-109 on modification of support. For court forms and procedures, visit the Arlington County Circuit Court website.
If you need to change divorce terms in Arlington County, contact a lawyer who understands the local process. For related legal help, see our pages on Virginia Family Law, Divorce Lawyer Alexandria, and Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.