Alimony Modification Lawyer Virginia Beach — How to Change Your Spousal Support Order
If your financial situation has changed, you may need an alimony modification lawyer Virginia Beach. Virginia law allows courts to modify or terminate spousal support orders based on a material change in circumstances under Va. Code § 20-109. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Law on Modifying Alimony
Virginia Code § 20-109 governs the modification of spousal support (alimony) orders. The court retains the power to modify, vacate, or suspend a spousal support order upon a petition from either party. The key legal standard is proving a “material change in circumstances” that warrants a change in the support amount or duration. This change must be substantial, not trivial, and must have occurred since the entry of the last support order. The statute also addresses termination upon cohabitation or remarriage of the receiving spouse.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review Va. Code § 20-109 (official Virginia General Assembly website). All modification petitions are filed with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
How to Modify Alimony in Virginia Beach
To successfully change spousal support, you must handle specific procedural steps in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. The process begins with identifying a qualifying material change, such as a significant increase or decrease in either party’s income, involuntary job loss, disability, or the receiving spouse’s cohabitation. Our experience shows that Virginia Beach judges require clear, documented evidence to support the claim of a material change.
- Consult with an attorney to evaluate if your situation meets the “material change” standard under Virginia law.
- Gather full financial documentation, including current income statements, tax returns, and evidence of changed expenses or circumstances.
- Your attorney will draft and file a Petition to Modify Spousal Support with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office.
- The petition must be formally served on the other party, who then has an opportunity to file a response.
- The court may schedule a hearing where both parties present evidence and arguments regarding the requested modification.
- The judge will issue a new order either granting, denying, or adjusting the spousal support amount based on the evidence presented.
What Constitutes a Material Change?
In Virginia Beach, a material change for alimony modification is a substantial, unforeseen change in the financial circumstances of either party that affects their ability to pay or need for support.
| Type of Change | Examples | Potential Court Action |
|---|---|---|
| Income Reduction | Involuntary job loss, demotion, disability | May decrease or suspend support obligation |
| Income Increase | Significant raise, promotion, inheritance | May increase support obligation |
| Recipient’s Circumstances | Cohabitation with a new partner, remarriage | May terminate support obligation |
| Cost of Living | Major medical expenses, increased childcare costs | May adjust support amount |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Modification Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Our firm has a documented record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the evolution of Virginia family law. This foundational knowledge directly informs our strategic approach to modification cases, where understanding the original support order’s context is critical.
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 in Virginia Beach
Our firm has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for those matters. While every case is unique, our team, led by Samantha Powers with support from firm founder Mr. Sris, focuses on building a compelling evidentiary record to demonstrate the material change required by law.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Alimony Modification Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters in Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-64 and I-264. If you need an alimony modification lawyer Virginia Beach or a lawyer to modify alimony order in Virginia Beach, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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.
We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
FAQs: Changing Spousal Support in Virginia Beach
Can alimony be modified in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-109, a spousal support order can be modified by the Virginia Beach Circuit Court if either party shows a material change in circumstances since the last order was entered.
What is considered a “material change” for alimony modification?
It depends. Virginia courts look for substantial, unforeseen changes affecting finances. Common examples include involuntary job loss, a significant increase in income, a disabling illness, or the receiving spouse cohabiting with a new partner. The change must be real and measurable, not temporary or minor.
How long does it take to modify an alimony order?
The timeline varies. After filing a petition with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, the process can take several months. It depends on the court’s docket, whether the other party contests the petition, and if a hearing with witness testimony is required. An uncontested agreement can be faster.
Do I need a lawyer to change spousal support?
It is highly advisable. The legal standard for a “material change” is specific, and the procedural rules in Virginia Beach Circuit Court are strict. An experienced lawyer can gather the right evidence, draft the petition correctly, and advocate for you effectively at a hearing.
Can alimony be terminated in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia law provides for termination of spousal support upon the death of either party, the remarriage of the receiving spouse, or if the receiving spouse cohabits with another person in a relationship analogous to marriage for one year or more.
Related Legal Help in Virginia Beach
If you are dealing with other family law issues, our firm provides full representation. Learn more about Virginia family law. For help in nearby areas, see our family lawyer in Henrico County and family lawyer in Chesterfield County. We also assist with criminal defense in Virginia Beach.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.