In Augusta County, Virginia, modifying a divorce decree requires showing a material change in circumstances under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented case results in Augusta County. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Augusta County can help you adjust support, custody, or property terms.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Divorce decree modification in Virginia refers to the legal process of changing the terms of a final divorce order. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court may modify spousal support, child support, custody, or property division when a material change in circumstances has occurred since the original decree. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Augusta County understands that the party seeking modification bears the burden of proving this change. The Augusta County Circuit Court, located at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401, handles all divorce decree modifications. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving the firm unique insight into equitable distribution modifications.
For the official statute governing divorce decree modifications in Virginia, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris). For court procedures and filing requirements, visit the Augusta County General District Court website.
- File a motion to modify with the Augusta County Circuit Court clerk at 6 East Johnson Street, Staunton, VA 24401.
- Serve the opposing party with the motion and supporting affidavit showing the material change in circumstances.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically set within 21-60 days of filing) for temporary relief if needed.
- Participate in discovery, including financial disclosure and document exchange.
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court (mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia).
- Present your case at the final hearing before the judge, who will determine whether modification is warranted.
In Augusta County, Virginia, divorce decree modification carries no criminal penalty, but the court may award attorney fees and costs to the prevailing party.
| Issue | Standard | Court | Filing Fee | Timeline | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spousal Support Modification | Material change in circumstances | Augusta County Circuit Court | Approximately $86 | 2-6 months | Attorney fees, mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) |
| Child Support Modification | Material change in circumstances | Augusta County J&DR Court | Approximately $86 | 1-4 months | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Custody Modification | Material change in circumstances + best interests | Augusta County J&DR Court | Approximately $86 | 3-9 months | Guardian ad Litem, custody evaluation |
| Property Division Modification | Fraud, mistake, or newly discovered assets | Augusta County Circuit Court | Approximately $86 | 6-12 months | Forensic accountant, business valuator |
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 rare achievement that demonstrates deep legislative and procedural knowledge. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law matters in Augusta County. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
In Augusta County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include reckless driving charges reduced to improper driving in Augusta County General District Court. Firm-wide, the firm has 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 Shenandoah/Woodstock Location serves clients at Augusta County courts (6 East Johnson Street, Staunton, VA 24401), accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, Route 250, and Route 340. We serve Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville.
Looking for a divorce decree modification lawyer near Augusta County? Our location is accessible from the Staunton area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Can you modify a divorce decree in Augusta County, Virginia?
Yes. Virginia courts can modify spousal support, child support, and custody terms when a material change in circumstances has occurred since the original decree. Property division modifications are more limited and typically require fraud, mistake, or newly discovered assets. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer Augusta County can evaluate your situation.
How long does a divorce decree modification take in Augusta County?
It depends. Uncontested modifications with agreement from both parties: 1-3 months. Contested modifications requiring a hearing: 3-9 months. Complex modifications involving business valuation or retirement assets: 6-12 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary relief are typically set within 21-60 days of filing.
What qualifies as a material change in circumstances for modification?
It depends. Common examples include job loss or change in income, remarriage, relocation, change in child’s needs, health issues, or cohabitation. The change must be substantial and not reasonably anticipated at the time of the original decree. The court evaluates each case individually.
Can you modify child support in Augusta County?
Yes. Virginia allows child support modification when there is a material change in circumstances. The court recalculates support using Virginia’s child support guidelines based on the parents’ combined gross income. A 25% or more change in the support amount typically qualifies as a material change.
Is mediation required for divorce decree modification in Augusta County?
No. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia for divorce decree modifications. However, Augusta County Circuit Court may order mediation in contested cases, particularly those involving custody or complex property issues. Mediation costs typically range from $100-$300 per hour per party.
How much does a divorce decree modification cost in Augusta County?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Attorney fees vary based on complexity and whether the case is contested or uncontested.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.