divorce decree modification lawyer St. Mary’s County, MD

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

When a divorce decree no longer reflects the reality of your life, you may need to seek a modification. In Maryland, a court can change provisions for alimony, child support, custody, or other terms when a substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the original order. Whether your financial situation has shifted, your former spouse’s income has changed, or the needs of your children have evolved, the family law division of the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County has authority to hear modification petitions. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to divorce decree modification matters. Results may vary. Reach our Maryland location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

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What Divorce Decree Modification Means in St. Mary’s County

St. Mary’s County, the southernmost county on Maryland’s Western Shore, includes the communities of Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville. Family law modifications are heard at the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County, located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. The court applies Maryland law, which permits modification of alimony, child support, and custody orders when the party seeking the change demonstrates a material change in circumstances. The standard is not a mere desire to revisit the terms; the law requires proof that circumstances have substantially and materially changed since the last order. The court may also enforce existing provisions through contempt proceedings if a former spouse fails to comply.

Maryland is an equitable distribution state, meaning property division at divorce is final and rarely subject to modification. However, ongoing obligations such as alimony and child support are modifiable based on statutory factors. For alimony, the court considers the factors in Maryland Family Law Article § 8-205, including each party’s income, assets, earning capacity, and the duration of the marriage. Child support modification is governed by the Maryland Child Support Guidelines, which use an income-shares model. Custody and visitation modifications are determined under the trusted-interests-of-the-child standard, with the court evaluating parental fitness, stability, and the child’s adjustment. The St. Mary’s County Circuit Court plays a central role in these determinations, and its family division handles modification petitions, scheduling hearings, and conducting evidentiary proceedings. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in St. Mary’s County for such matters.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Divorce Decree Modification Cases

At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., modification cases begin with a careful review of the existing decree and the changed circumstances alleged. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, brings extensive courtroom experience to these matters, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted cases in both District and Circuit Courts. This dual experience—understanding how courts assess evidence and how opposing counsel may challenge claims—informs every step of a modification proceeding. The team gathers financial records, employment documentation, and any other evidence that supports the asserted change, then prepares a motion to modify the decree and files it with the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County.

After filing, the court schedules a hearing. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle negotiations with the other side when a mutually agreeable resolution is possible, and when it is not, they advocate at trial. Because modifications frequently involve sensitive financial or parenting issues, the firm approaches each case with a focus on clarity and preparation—developing a record that demonstrates the material change, including testimony and documentary evidence. Throughout the process, the client is kept informed of court deadlines, hearing dates, and strategic considerations. To discuss your specific situation, reach our Maryland location at (888) 437-7747.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., which he founded in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into the litigation process, and he has guided the firm through thousands of family law matters across multiple states.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys add depth in family law and courtroom advocacy, including a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney with firsthand experience in Maryland’s District and Circuit Courts. This collective experience allows Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to serve clients throughout St. Mary’s County with representation that addresses both the legal and personal dimensions of divorce decree modification. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to learn more about how Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can assist with your modification matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I modify a divorce decree in Maryland?

Yes, a divorce decree may be modified in Maryland when the party seeking the change demonstrates a material change in circumstances. The court can modify provisions for alimony, child support, custody, and visitation. Property division is generally final and not modifiable. The petition must be filed in the circuit court that issued the decree—in St. Mary’s County, that is the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County in Leonardtown. An experienced family law attorney can evaluate whether your situation meets the legal threshold for a modification.

What is a “material change in circumstances” for modifying a divorce decree?

A material change in circumstances is a substantial and continuing change that affects the fairness or practicality of the existing order. Examples may include a significant change in either parent’s income, a job loss, a medical condition that affects earning capacity, or a child’s changing needs. The change must have occurred since the last order and must be significant, not trivial. The court weighs the nature and impact of the change before granting a modification.

How do I start the process of modifying a divorce decree in St. Mary’s County?

To begin a modification in St. Mary’s County, you generally file a motion or a complaint for modification with the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County. The paperwork must specify the provision you seek to change and the factual basis for the modification. After filing, the other party is served and given an opportunity to respond. The court may schedule a hearing, and in some cases, mediation may be ordered. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle all steps, from preparing the motion to presenting evidence at the hearing.

Can alimony be modified after a divorce in Maryland?

Alimony may be modified when there has been a material change in the financial circumstances of either party. Maryland law allows both rehabilitative and indefinite alimony to be revisited. The court will examine factors such as each party’s income, assets, obligations, and any change in the standard of living. An experienced attorney can help present the evidence that supports a showing of changed circumstances.

What if my former spouse contests the modification request?

If the modification is contested, the court will hold a hearing where both sides present evidence and argument. The party seeking the modification bears the burden of proving a material change. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare witnesses, financial exhibits, and legal arguments to support the requested change. Contested modifications can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or trial—the firm advocates in all forums.

Do I need a lawyer to modify a divorce decree in St. Mary’s County?

While you are not required to have a lawyer, representation can help ensure that your motion is properly supported and your rights are protected. Modification proceedings involve legal standards, evidentiary rules, and court procedures that can be complex. An attorney can evaluate the strength of your claim, gather necessary documentation, and present your case effectively. For guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

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