An Alimony Modification Lawyer Arlington County handles spousal support changes under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County. Virginia courts modify alimony when a material change in circumstances occurs, such as job loss or retirement.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law allows modification of spousal support (alimony) when a material change in circumstances occurs. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court considers 13 factors including the financial resources of both parties, the standard of living during marriage, and the duration of the marriage. An Alimony Modification Lawyer Arlington County can help you petition the court to increase, decrease, or terminate spousal support based on changed circumstances.
For the complete statutory framework, review Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly) which governs spousal support modifications. The Arlington County General District Court website provides local procedural information for filing modification motions.
In Arlington County Circuit Court, alimony modification requires filing a motion showing a material change in circumstances since the original support order. The court expects specific financial documentation, including recent tax returns, pay stubs, and a detailed statement of monthly expenses. Judges in the 17th Judicial District scrutinize claims of reduced income carefully, especially when voluntary job changes are involved.
- Gather financial documents: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and expense records for the past 2 years.
- File a motion to modify spousal support at the Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Serve the motion on your former spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically set within 21-60 days) for temporary support adjustments.
- Participate in discovery and possible mediation to resolve financial disputes before trial.
- Present evidence at the final hearing showing the material change in circumstances and its impact on support needs.
In Arlington County, alimony modification under Va. Code § 20-107.1 requires proving a material change in circumstances; failure to comply with existing support orders can result in contempt proceedings.
| Issue | Classification | Potential Outcome | Court Cost | Impact on Support | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material change in income | Modification grounds | Increase, decrease, or termination | $86 filing fee | Prospective adjustment | Retroactive modification limited |
| Cohabitation (VA) | Termination grounds | Support termination | $86 filing fee | Termination from cohabitation date | Must prove cohabitation |
| Retirement | Modification grounds | Reduction or termination | $86 filing fee | Prospective adjustment | Court considers retirement age |
| Contempt for non-payment | Civil contempt | Fines, jail, wage garnishment | Additional court costs | Arrearage judgment | Driver’s license suspension |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative experience in family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris (Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney) provides secondary oversight on complex alimony modification cases. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted to practice in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented 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 Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Looking for an Alimony Modification Lawyer Arlington County near the Courthouse area? We serve clients throughout Arlington County.
We serve the following neighborhoods: Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Can I modify my alimony order in Arlington County if I lost my job?
Yes. Involuntary job loss is a material change in circumstances that can support an alimony modification. You must file a motion with the Arlington County Circuit Court and provide documentation of the job loss, severance, and job search efforts.
How long does an alimony modification take in Arlington County?
It depends. Uncontested modifications with signed agreements take 2-4 months. Contested modifications requiring hearings and discovery take 6-12 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary relief are typically set within 21-60 days of filing.
Does remarriage automatically end alimony in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, remarriage of the recipient spouse automatically terminates spousal support. The paying spouse must file a motion to terminate support and provide proof of the remarriage to the court.
Can I modify alimony if my ex-spouse is cohabitating in Arlington County?
Yes. Cohabitation can be grounds to terminate or reduce spousal support. You must prove the cohabitation is analogous to marriage, including shared finances, residence, and domestic responsibilities. The court considers the duration and nature of the relationship.
What is the filing fee for an alimony modification in Arlington County?
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 mediation fees ($100-$300 per hour per party).
Can alimony be modified retroactively in Virginia?
No. Under Virginia law, alimony modifications are prospective only. The court cannot retroactively modify spousal support arrearages. You must file your modification motion as soon as the change in circumstances occurs to avoid being held responsible for payments at the original amount.
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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 current guidance.