Alimony Modification Lawyer Virginia, VA
Alimony modification in Virginia arises when a party to an existing spousal support order seeks to
increase, decrease, or terminate payments because of a material change in circumstances. The court’s
authority to modify stems from Va. Code § 20-107.1, which sets out a range of factors the judge considers
in determining whether ongoing support remains warranted and at what level. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., concentrates his practice on family law matters including modification
proceedings across Virginia. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal
experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Is Alimony Modification in Virginia?
Virginia law treats spousal support as an ongoing obligation that can be revisited when a substantial
change in the economic landscape of either party occurs. The modification is governed by Va. Code
§ 20-107.1, which directs the court to consider factors such as the needs, resources, and earning
capacity of both the recipient and the payor, the duration of the marriage, the standard of living
established during the marriage, and the contributions of each party to the marital partnership. The
court does not automatically grant a modification; the party requesting it bears the burden of proving
that circumstances have changed since the last order and that those changes are material.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, and the same statutory factors that inform an initial
spousal support award guide a modification inquiry. However, the focus shifts to events occurring after
the last support determination. For example, a payor’s job loss or a recipient’s remarriage may
constitute a changed circumstance. The proceeding is heard in the Virginia Circuit Court, which has
jurisdiction over divorce and equitable distribution matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear in
Virginia circuit courts to present evidence and advocate for a fair resolution under the applicable
statute.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Alimony Modification Cases
When a spouse seeks to alter an existing support obligation, the process begins with a thorough
assessment of the factual circumstances that have arisen since the last order. Mr. Sris and his Of
Counsel gather documentation — pay stubs, tax returns, medical records, employment termination notices,
or evidence of a new household — to build a clear record for the court. They identify the specific
statutory factors that weigh in favor of or against the requested modification and prepare a written
motion supported by affidavits where appropriate.
Court proceedings unfold on the schedule set by the judge, and the timeline varies depending on the
complexity of the issues and the court’s calendar. If the parties can agree to a modified amount, the
attorney prepares a consent order that avoids a contested hearing. When agreement is not possible, Mr.
Sris and his Of Counsel present testimony and documentary evidence at an evidentiary hearing before the
circuit court judge. The firm’s approach emphasizes clarity, preparation, and a practical understanding
of how Virginia courts analyze changed-circumstances arguments under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since 1997. He is
admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified
before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del.
David Bulova). His background as a former prosecutor informs his approach in court, but his family law
practice is focused on achieving practical solutions for spouses in dispute.
Mr. Sris is joined by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who concentrate their efforts on litigation and
negotiation. All Of Counsel work with Mr. Sris on family law matters, and the firm draws on over 120
years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel and has achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The firm maintains locations in Fairfax, Richmond,
Shenandoah, Ashburn, and Arlington; consultations are by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is alimony modification in Virginia?
Alimony modification is a post-divorce proceeding in which a Virginia circuit court reviews an
existing spousal support order to determine whether changed circumstances justify an adjustment. The
court applies the factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1 and may increase, decrease, or terminate the support
obligation. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888)
437-7747.
What factors does the court consider for alimony modification?
The court looks at material changes in earning capacity, health, needs, and resources of either party
since the last order. It also considers the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the
marriage, and the contributions of each spouse. The burden is on the moving party to prove that the
change is substantial and not temporary. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for alimony modification?
While not legally required, representation is advisable because the court’s decision depends on a
fact-intensive record. An experienced attorney can gather the right evidence, present the statutory
factors persuasively, and, if possible, negotiate a consent modification that avoids a contested
hearing. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
How do I request a modification of spousal support in Virginia?
A request is made by filing a motion to modify in the circuit court that entered the original support
order. The motion must allege the material change in circumstances and attach supporting documentation.
The court then schedules a hearing; the timeline is set by the court’s calendar. For guidance on your
specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can alimony be terminated through a modification?
Yes. If circumstances demonstrate that the need for support has ended — for example, the recipient has
remarried, cohabited in a marriage-like relationship, or become self-sufficient — the court may
terminate the obligation entirely. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS,
P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between alimony modification and enforcement?
Modification changes the amount or duration of support based on changed circumstances. Enforcement
seeks to compel compliance with an existing order when the payor has failed to pay. Both proceedings
are addressed in Virginia code and often intersect when a payor’s non-payment coincides with a claimed
inability to pay. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Learn more about our Virginia family law practice in nearby localities:
Danville alimony modification ·
Norfolk alimony modification ·
Portsmouth alimony modification ·
Virginia alimony lawyer ·
Fairfax County family law
Authoritative Virginia legal resources:
Virginia Code Title 20 — Domestic Relations ·
Virginia Judicial System ·
Virginia State Bar Lawyer Search
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Virginia cases are handled by our Virginia alimony modification practice, where the whole process is set out.