In Chesapeake, spousal support modification under Va. Code § 20-107.1 requires a material change in circumstances since the last order. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. An Alimony Modification Lawyer Chesapeake can help you adjust or terminate support payments.
Virginia Spousal Support Modification Law
Virginia law allows modification of spousal support (alimony) when a material change in circumstances occurs after the initial support order. The court examines 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 to determine whether modification is appropriate. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997), personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) and has extensive experience with support modification cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Alimony modification differs from initial support determination. While initial spousal support is set at divorce under Va. Code § 20-107.1, modification requires proving a material change in circumstances — such as job loss, retirement, disability, or remarriage — that was not anticipated when the original order was entered. This higher burden makes experienced legal representation critical.
Review the official statute: Va. Code § 20-107.1 (Spousal Support Factors) from the Virginia General Assembly. For court procedures, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
How Alimony Modification Works in Chesapeake Circuit Court
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all spousal support modification petitions. The court requires proof of a material change in circumstances that occurred after the last support order.
Common grounds include job loss, retirement, disability, cohabitation, or a significant increase in the paying spouse’s income.
- Gather documentation of the changed circumstance (termination letter, medical records, retirement papers, cohabitation evidence).
- File a Motion to Modify Spousal Support with Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive.
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $86 for the motion) and arrange service on the other party.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing (typically set within 21-60 days) for temporary relief while the case proceeds.
- Participate in discovery, including financial affidavits, tax returns, and possibly depositions.
- Attend the final hearing where the judge applies the 13 statutory factors to determine the new support amount.
In Chesapeake, failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in contempt of court with serious consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Spousal Support (Contempt) | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months (coercive) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Wage garnishment, bank levy, tax intercept, property liens |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Alimony Modification
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep legislative knowledge that benefits alimony modification cases. The firm’s tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects its commitment to clients across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Case Results in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 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 Chesapeake Family Law Services
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd). We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Looking for an Alimony Modification Lawyer Chesapeake near the Greenbrier area or Great Bridge? We handle cases throughout the city.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony Modification in Chesapeake
Can I modify my alimony order in Chesapeake if I lost my job?
Yes. Involuntary job loss is a material change in circumstances that supports modification. You must file a motion with Chesapeake Circuit Court and provide documentation of the termination and your job search efforts.
How long does an alimony modification take in Chesapeake?
It depends. A temporary (pendente lite) hearing can occur within 21-60 days of filing. A final modification hearing may take 3-6 months depending on court docket and whether the other party contests the change.
Does remarriage automatically terminate alimony in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-109, the remarriage of the receiving spouse automatically terminates spousal support. The paying spouse should file a motion to terminate support immediately upon the remarriage.
Can I modify spousal support if my ex-spouse is cohabitating?
Yes. Cohabitation with a new partner in a relationship analogous to marriage can be grounds to modify or terminate support. You must present evidence of shared finances, residence, and the nature of the relationship.
What is the filing fee for an alimony modification in Chesapeake?
It depends. The Circuit Court filing fee for a motion to modify spousal support is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process ($12), private process server ($50-$100), and potential attorney fees.
Can I change spousal support if I retire?
Yes. Retirement at full retirement age is generally considered a material change in circumstances. Early retirement may be scrutinized more closely, especially if it appears voluntary and intended to avoid support obligations.
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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.