In Augusta 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 13 documented case results in Augusta County. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Augusta County can help you adjust child support, custody, or spousal support.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Divorce decree modification in Augusta County involves changing the terms of a final divorce order. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court can modify spousal support, child support under § 20-108.1, and custody under § 20-124.2 when a material change in circumstances has occurred. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Augusta County evaluates whether your situation meets the legal threshold for modification. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and the Augusta County General District Court website for local procedures.
Augusta County Circuit Court handles all divorce decree modifications. The court requires a signed pleading detailing the change in circumstances. You must serve the other party with the motion. The court sets a hearing date within 21-60 days for pendente lite motions.
- Gather documentation showing the material change (job loss, income change, relocation).
- File a motion to modify with Augusta County Circuit Court at 6 East Johnson Street, Staunton, VA.
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $86 for a motion).
- Serve the other party with the motion and supporting documents.
- Attend the hearing and present your evidence to the judge.
In Augusta 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/Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
| Violation of Custody Order | Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of custody rights, attorney fees |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This amendment is a documented legislative achievement that strengthens every family law case the firm handles. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also oversees family law cases in Augusta County. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 total documented case results across all practice areas in Augusta County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ 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 Shenandoah/Woodstock Location is accessible from Augusta County courts via I-81 and I-64. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Augusta County near Staunton or Waynesboro can assist with your case. We serve Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Augusta County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Augusta County Circuit Court handles all divorces. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party 13 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
How much does a divorce cost in Augusta County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Augusta County General District Court.
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). Augusta County Circuit Court (6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Augusta County, Virginia?
Custody in Augusta County 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. Augusta County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Augusta County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 13 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
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 Augusta County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party
Can I modify my divorce decree in Augusta County?
Yes. You can modify child support, custody, visitation, and spousal support if you show a material change in circumstances. File a motion with Augusta County Circuit Court. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Augusta County can help you prepare the necessary documentation and represent you at the hearing.
What is a material change in circumstances for divorce decree modification?
It depends. Common examples include job loss, significant income change, relocation, remarriage, health issues, or changes in the child’s needs. The court evaluates whether the change was not anticipated at the time of the original decree. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Augusta County can assess your situation.
How long does a divorce decree modification take in Augusta County?
It depends. Uncontested modifications with agreement: 1-3 months. Contested modifications requiring a hearing: 3-6 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary relief: 21-60 days. Augusta County Circuit Court schedules hearings based on availability. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Augusta County can expedite the process.
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.