A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer James City County handles changes to spousal support, child custody, or property division under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented case results in James City County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Williamsburg/James City County GDC | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law allows modification of divorce decrees when a material change in circumstances occurs. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court can adjust spousal support, child support, and property division orders. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer James City County helps you file the proper motion at the Williamsburg/James City County Circuit Court. The court requires proof that circumstances have changed substantially since the original decree. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, personally amended this equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique insight into modification law.
For divorce decree modification specifically, Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution adjustments. Unlike the general family law statute, this section provides the legal framework for changing property division orders after the final decree. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer James City County uses this statute to seek adjustments when assets or debts were overlooked or when a party’s financial situation has materially changed.
Key government resources for divorce decree modification in James City County:
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Equitable Distribution — Virginia General Assembly)
- Williamsburg/James City County General District Court
James City County Circuit Court handles all divorce decree modification motions. The court requires a verified petition showing a material change in circumstances. Judges in the Ninth Judicial District expect detailed financial affidavits with supporting documentation.
- Step 1: Gather evidence of changed circumstances — job loss, income change, or relocation.
- Step 2: File a verified petition for modification at the Circuit Court, 5201 Monticello Ave, Suite 4.
- Step 3: Serve the other party with the petition and summons — allow 21 days for response.
- Step 4: Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary relief if needed.
- Step 5: Present evidence at the final modification hearing before the judge.
In James City County, divorce decree modification involves court costs and potential attorney fees. The Circuit Court filing fee for a modification motion is approximately $86.
| Issue | Classification | Court Costs | Filing Fee | Timeline | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spousal Support Modification | Civil Motion | $86 filing fee | $12 sheriff service | 60-90 days | Attorney fees vary |
| Child Support Modification | Civil Motion | $86 filing fee | $12 sheriff service | 45-60 days | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Property Division Adjustment | Civil Motion | $86 filing fee | $50-$100 process server | 90-120 days | Business valuation: $2,000-$5,000+ |
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 handled 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in Virginia divorces. This amendment gives the firm unique authority in divorce decree modification matters. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers — Family Law Attorney, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Samantha Powers handles family law matters including divorce decree modification in James City County. She works alongside Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 total documented case results across all practice areas in James City County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. 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 Richmond location serves clients at the James City County courts (5201 Monticello Ave), accessible via I-64, Route 60, Route 5, and Route 199. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer James City County near Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William & Mary can help. We serve Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Can I modify my divorce decree in James City County?
Yes. Virginia courts allow modification of spousal support, child support, and custody when a material change in circumstances occurs. File a motion at James City County Circuit Court.
How long does a divorce decree modification take in James City County?
It depends. Uncontested modifications take 60-90 days from filing. Contested modifications with hearings can take 4-6 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary relief are set within 21-60 days.
What qualifies as a material change in circumstances for modification?
A material change includes job loss, significant income change, relocation, remarriage, cohabitation, or a change in the child’s needs. The court requires proof of the change since the original decree.
How much does it cost to modify a divorce decree in James City County?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Sheriff service costs $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
Can I modify child support without a lawyer in James City County?
Yes, you can file pro se. However, the court requires detailed financial affidavits and proof of changed circumstances. A Divorce Decree Modification Lawyer James City County can help ensure your motion is properly prepared.
Is mediation required for divorce decree modification in Virginia?
No. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. James City County Circuit Court may order mediation in contested custody or property division cases. Mediation costs $100-$300/hour per party.
Related pages:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Henrico County Divorce Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Divorce Lawyer
- James City County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- James City County DUI Lawyer
- Attorney Profile
- Richmond Office
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.