Alimony Modification Lawyer Virginia Beach — Can You Change Your Spousal Support Order?
If your financial situation has changed, you may need an alimony modification lawyer Virginia Beach. Virginia law allows for modifying spousal support under Va. Code § 20-109 when a substantial change in circumstances occurs. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation to seek or defend against changes to alimony orders in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Contact us for a case-specific approach.
Virginia Law on Modifying Spousal Support
In Virginia, spousal support (alimony) orders are not necessarily permanent. The court retains the power to modify the amount, duration, or termination of support based on a proven, material change in circumstances that was not reasonably foreseeable at the time of the original decree. This legal standard is established under Va. Code § 20-109. The party seeking the modification bears the burden of proof.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally played a key role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the evolution of Virginia family law.
Official Legal Resources
How to Seek an Alimony Modification in Virginia Beach
The process to modify an alimony order in Virginia Beach requires careful preparation. Virginia Beach Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, handles all petitions to modify spousal support. A key local procedural fact is that the court will closely examine the timing and cause of the alleged change. A voluntary job change, for instance, is viewed differently than a layoff due to company downsizing.
- Consult with an Attorney: Review your original order and current finances to assess if a material change exists.
- Gather Documentation: Collect proof of the change (e.g., termination letter, medical diagnosis, new dependent expenses).
- File a Petition: Your attorney will file a formal Petition to Modify Spousal Support with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the Other Party: The petition must be legally served on your former spouse.
- Attend Hearings: The court may schedule a pendente lite hearing for temporary orders and a final hearing.
- Present Evidence: At the final hearing, present financial evidence and witness testimony to prove the change.
What Constitutes a “Substantial Change in Circumstances”?
In Virginia Beach, a request to modify alimony hinges on proving a substantial, material change in the financial circumstances of either party that affects their ability to pay or need for support.
| Common Grounds for Modification | Potential Impact on Support |
|---|---|
| Involuntary job loss or significant reduction in income | May decrease payor’s obligation or increase recipient’s need |
| Significant increase in the paying spouse’s income | May justify an increase in support |
| Serious illness or disability of either party | Can drastically alter need and ability to pay |
| Remarriage or cohabitation of the receiving spouse | Often grounds for termination or reduction of support |
| Retirement of the paying spouse | May justify reduction if retirement is reasonable and in good faith |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Virginia Beach Family Law Team
Our firm’s foundation in 1997 by a former prosecutor established a tradition of strong, evidence-based advocacy. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a record of thousands of case results, we understand the nuances of Virginia family law. Mr. Sris’s direct involvement in amending Va. Code § 20-107.3 provides unique insight into the legislative intent behind support and property laws. For Virginia Beach cases, our Richmond location allows us to serve clients throughout the region effectively.
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 & Client Advocacy
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented record of favorable outcomes in family law matters. In Virginia Beach, our team has secured modifications to spousal support based on proven changes in employment status, health, and other financial factors. Our approach involves meticulous preparation of financial evidence to meet the court’s standard for a material change.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, brings additional strategic oversight to complex modification cases. His background in accounting and information systems is a distinct advantage when analyzing financial disclosures and business valuations that often underpin modification arguments.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Alimony Modification Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients with Virginia Beach family law matters. We are accessible via I-64, I-264, and Route 44.
Alimony modification lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center. We serve the communities of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Virginia Beach Alimony Modification FAQs
What is required to modify alimony in Virginia Beach?
You must prove a substantial, material change in circumstances that affects the need for or ability to pay support, as defined under Va. Code § 20-109. The change must be unforeseen at the time of the original order.
Can I get alimony reduced if I lose my job?
It depends. If the job loss is involuntary and constitutes a material change, you may petition for reduction. The court will examine the reasons for the job loss and your efforts to find new employment.
Does remarriage automatically end alimony in Virginia?
Yes, in most cases. The remarriage of the spouse receiving support is grounds for termination of spousal support, unless otherwise stated in the original decree. You must file a petition with the court to formally terminate the obligation.
How long does an alimony modification take in Virginia Beach?
The timeline varies. An uncontested agreement can be processed in a few months. A contested modification requiring hearings can take 6 to 12 months or more in Virginia Beach Circuit Court, depending on the court’s docket.
Can the recipient of alimony seek an increase?
Yes. If the paying spouse’s income has significantly increased, or the recipient’s needs have materially increased due to factors like illness, they can petition the court for an increase in support.
What if my ex-spouse refuses to pay the modified alimony?
You can file a petition for contempt of court with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. The court can enforce the order through wage garnishment, seizure of assets, or even jail time for willful non-compliance.