A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Chesapeake helps you change court orders for child support, custody, or spousal support when circumstances shift. Under Va. Code § 20-108.1 and § 20-107.1, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Chesapeake courts. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — Va. Code Title 20
Virginia law allows you to modify divorce order terms when there has been a material change in circumstances. For child support, the standard is under Va. Code § 20-108.1 — a change of 25% or more in the presumptive support amount triggers review. For spousal support, Va. Code § 20-107.1 requires a showing of changed financial circumstances. A change divorce terms lawyer Chesapeake evaluates whether your situation meets these legal thresholds. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), giving the firm unique insight into how Virginia courts interpret modification requests. The firm was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines) and Chesapeake General District Court website for procedural information.
In Chesapeake Circuit Court, judges require specific evidence of changed circumstances — not just a desire for different terms. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Chesapeake must present documented proof such as pay stubs, medical records, or custody evaluations. The court at 307 Albemarle Drive hears these motions on regular docket days.
- Gather documentation of the changed circumstance (job loss, medical condition, relocation).
- File a motion to modify with Chesapeake Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
- Serve the other party with the motion and supporting affidavit.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically within 21-60 days).
- Present evidence at the final hearing before the judge.
In Chesapeake, failure to comply with a divorce decree can result in contempt of court, fines, and potential jail time for willful noncompliance.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (willful nonpayment) | 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 $1,000 | None | Loss of custody time, attorney fees |
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in Virginia divorces. This achievement provides a unique advantage when handling divorce decree modifications in Chesapeake courts.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also oversees all family law matters at the firm. His background as a former prosecutor and his personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 provide deep insight into Virginia family law.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented 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 Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and I-664. We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Looking for a Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Chesapeake near you? We are near the Greenbrier area and Chesapeake City Hall.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
24/7 phone consultations. By appointment only.
How long does a divorce modification take in Chesapeake?
Yes, uncontested modifications with signed agreement take 2-4 months; contested modifications take 9-18 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are typically set within 21-60 days of filing.
Can I modify child support without a lawyer in Chesapeake?
Yes, you can file pro se, but the process requires specific documentation of changed circumstances. A modify divorce order lawyer Chesapeake can help ensure your motion meets legal standards and includes proper evidence.
What qualifies as a material change for spousal support modification?
It depends. Common examples include job loss, significant income change, remarriage, cohabitation, or a medical disability. The change must be substantial and not temporary under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Is Virginia a community property state for divorce modifications?
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.
How much does it cost to modify a divorce decree in Chesapeake?
Circuit Court filing fee for a modification motion is approximately $86; sheriff service of process is about $12; private process server costs $50-$100. Attorney fees vary based on complexity.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.