In Virginia Beach, modifying a divorce decree requires showing a material change in circumstances under Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support) or § 20-107.1 (spousal support). A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Virginia Beach from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented local case results. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway handles all modification petitions.
A divorce decree modification in Virginia Beach involves changing the terms of a final divorce order — including child custody, child support, spousal support (alimony), or property division. Under Virginia law, you must demonstrate a material change in circumstances since the original decree was entered. The court reviews these petitions under Va. Code § 20-108.1 for child support modifications, § 20-107.1 for spousal support modifications, and § 20-124.2 for custody modifications. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Virginia Beach can help you file the appropriate motion at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For divorce decree modification specifically, the primary statute is Va. Code § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines modification) and § 20-107.1 (spousal support modification). A decree modification petition asks the court to alter the terms of a final divorce order based on new circumstances that were not anticipated at the time of the original decree.
Review the official statutes governing divorce decree modifications: Va. Code § 20-108.1 (Child Support Guidelines — official Virginia General Assembly) and Virginia Beach General District Court (official court website). These resources provide the legal framework for modifying your divorce decree in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach Circuit Court requires a formal motion and supporting affidavit showing the material change in circumstances. The court schedules a hearing typically within 30-60 days of filing.
- Gather evidence of the material change in circumstances (job loss, income change, relocation, health issues).
- File a motion to modify with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B.
- Serve the opposing party with the motion and supporting documents via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the hearing where the judge reviews evidence and determines whether modification is warranted.
- Receive the court’s order modifying or denying the requested changes to your divorce decree.
In Virginia Beach, modifying a divorce decree involves court costs and potential attorney fees; failure to comply with existing orders can result in contempt proceedings.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Support Modification | Civil matter | None (contempt: up to 12 months) | Court costs: ~$86 filing fee | Driver’s license suspension possible | Wage garnishment, tax intercept |
| Spousal Support Modification | Civil matter | None (contempt: up to 12 months) | Court costs: ~$86 filing fee | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
| Custody Modification | Civil matter | None (contempt: up to 12 months) | Court costs: ~$86 filing fee | None | Guardian ad Litem fees: $500-$2,500+ |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a unique achievement that demonstrates deep family law experience. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law cases and personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. He brings over 25 years of experience to each case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results in Virginia Beach across all practice areas, with a 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 the Virginia Beach courts, approximately 100 miles from the Virginia Beach General District Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, accessible via I-64 and I-264. If you need a Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Virginia Beach near the Oceanfront or Town Center, we can help. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Q: How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. 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.
Q: How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. 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.
Q: 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).
Q: How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody in Virginia Beach 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.
Q: 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).
Learn more about Virginia Family Law Lawyer services. Compare with Henrico County divorce lawyer or Chesterfield County divorce lawyer. See also Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer and Virginia Beach 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 updated guidance.