Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Lexington — How to Change Your Divorce Order
If your life circumstances have changed, you may need a divorce decree modification lawyer Lexington. Virginia law allows courts to modify certain divorce terms like child support, custody, and spousal support under specific conditions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. Our family law attorneys can help you petition the court to change divorce terms.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Modifying a Divorce Decree
Virginia law provides specific statutes for modifying different parts of a final divorce decree. A divorce decree modification lawyer Lexington must prove a material change in circumstances to alter support or custody orders. The court retains jurisdiction to enforce and modify these orders, but property division under equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) is generally final and cannot be modified unless the original agreement allows for it. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, personally amended this key equitable distribution statute.
- Consult with a Lexington divorce decree modification lawyer to review your decree and assess grounds for change.
- Gather documentation proving the material change in circumstances (e.g., job loss, medical bills, relocation).
- Your attorney will draft and file the appropriate petition (e.g., Motion to Modify) with Lexington Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
- Serve the filed motion on your former spouse, who has the right to file a response.
- Attend court hearings, where your lawyer will present evidence to support the requested modification.
- If granted, the court will issue a new, legally binding order reflecting the changed terms.
What Parts of a Divorce Order Can Be Modified?
In Lexington, you can petition to modify child support, custody/visitation, and spousal support, but property division is typically permanent.
| Divorce Term | Modifiable in VA? | Legal Standard Required | Governing Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Support | Yes | Material change in circumstances or 3 years since last order | Va. Code § 20-108 |
| Child Custody/Visitation | Yes | Best interests of the child; material change | Va. Code § 20-124.2 |
| Spousal Support (Alimony) | Yes | Material change in circumstances affecting need/ability to pay | Va. Code § 20-109 |
| Equitable Distribution (Property) | Rarely | Generally final; modification only if original agreement permits | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Legal Authority for Lexington Family Law Matters
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law cases. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our team deep insight into the laws governing divorce modifications. We understand the procedures at Lexington Circuit Court, located at 2 South Main Street.
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 and Client Representation
In Lexington, our firm has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. For modification cases, a favorable outcome may mean a child support adjustment reflecting a parent’s job loss or a revised custody schedule after a relocation. Our secondary attorney on complex cases is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor who amended the state’s equitable distribution law.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters at Lexington courts. We are accessible via I-64 and I-81. We are a divorce decree modification lawyer near Lexington serving the community. Contact us for a consultation about your case.
Divorce Decree Modification FAQs for Lexington, VA
Can I modify my divorce decree in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes. You can modify child support, custody, visitation, and spousal support in Lexington by proving a material change in circumstances to the Circuit or J&DR Court. Property division is usually final.
How long after a divorce can you modify it in Virginia?
It depends on the term. Child support can be reviewed every 3 years automatically, or sooner with a material change. Custody or spousal support can be modified at any time with sufficient evidence of a substantial change affecting the child’s best interests or financial need.
What is considered a material change for modifying child support?
A material change includes a significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income, job loss, changes in the child’s healthcare needs, or a change in custody arrangements. The change must not have been anticipated when the original order was set.
Can I modify a divorce decree without a lawyer in Lexington?
No. While technically possible, the procedural and evidentiary requirements are complex. An experienced divorce decree modification lawyer Lexington ensures your petition is filed correctly and presents compelling evidence to the court, greatly improving your chance of success.
How much does it cost to modify a divorce decree?
Costs vary. Lexington Circuit Court filing fees apply. Attorney fees depend on case complexity, whether the modification is contested, and if experienced testimony is needed. We offer consultations to discuss potential costs for your specific situation.
Contact a Lexington Lawyer to Modify Your Divorce Order
If you need to change divorce terms, contact a skilled divorce decree modification lawyer Lexington at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. We can assess your situation, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process in Lexington Circuit Court. To discuss modifying a divorce order with a lawyer Lexington, call us toll-free at (888) 437-7747 or locally at (804)201-9009. Consultations are by appointment.
For more information, review the Virginia Code on child support modification and the Lexington General District Court website.
See also: Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Family Lawyer in Henrico | Criminal Defense Lawyer Lexington