Child support is an important issue in a divorce, as it can have a major effect on the well-being of the child. It is important that the child’s needs are met, but it is also important that the amount of child support owed is fair to both parents. Virginia has established statutory guidelines dictating how much child support will be owed.
Child support is meant to provide for the child’s needs. When issuing a child support order, Virginia courts will consider several factors, including each parent’s income and financial resources, child custody arrangements, child care expenses, health insurance expenses and the child’s standard of living.
Of course, as the child’s and parents’ lives continue to change, there may come a time when a child support order needs to be revisited. A modification may be sought from the court if the child’s needs or the parent’s ability to pay significantly changes from the previous order. For example, a parent may lose their job or, conversely, be promoted. A parent may have moved away. Or, a parent may have suffered a disability or illness.
When it comes to establishing, modifying or enforcing child support orders, parents may not want to act alone. Child support is meant to serve the child’s best interests, and if it does not, this could negatively affect the child’s physical, mental and emotional health. Therefore, parents facing child support issues often seek legal guidance, so they can make informed decisions.
The child support section of our firm’s website outlines various issues involving child support that could arise over time and our firm’s approach to handling such cases.
