Charlottesville Child Support Attorney
Helping Parents Reach An Effective Child Support Agreement
Under Virginia law, parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially. Child support is automatically determined in a divorce involving children, but it may need to be established by request if the parents were never married. Talking to an experienced child support attorney in Charlottesville is the first step if you have questions about child support matters.
Contact Seiden Legal Group, PLLC, to schedule a consultation.
How Is Child Support Determined in Virginia?
Each state establishes its own guidelines and formulas for how child support is calculated and applied. In Virginia, child support is based on several factors, including how much the parents earn, the amount of time each parent spends with the child, and any special circumstances. The parents’ basic living expenses are factored in, as are some specific expenses, such as childcare payments and health insurance premiums.
Ensuring Your Children Get the Financial Support They Need
Child support disputes are common when one party believes that the obligation amount is unfair. However, the regular formula applies to the vast majority of cases. If you have exceptional circumstances that warrant a deviation from the basic child support obligation, talk with an experienced child support attorney.
How Long Does Child Support Last?
In most cases, child support continues until the child either reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. However, there are some exceptions. Parents of children who have mental or physical disabilities that require long-term care may decide to have child support continued. If you believe that child support may need to continue longer than usual, an attorney can help you request this and ensure it makes it into the child support order.
What Happens If the Circumstances Change?
Financial situations rarely stay exactly the same forever. Someone may get a promotion and a raise, or may be laid off and need to find a lower-paying job. In some cases, it’s the child’s circumstances that change, such as being diagnosed with a long-term illness that will require expensive medical treatment. If you are having difficulty making the payments for your child support case, or there has been a significant change in circumstances, a request for a review and potential modification can be made.
Contact Our Charlottesville Child Support Attorney Today
Child support plays a vital role in ensuring your children are financially supported. A child support lawyer can help you understand what your obligation may look like, how a court order is enforced, and what steps to take if one parent is not meeting their responsibilities. Whether your situation involves divorce cases, developing a parenting plan, or protecting your parental rights, working with an attorney who has extensive experience in family law cases helps ensure decisions are made with your children’s best interests in mind.
Contact Seiden Legal Group, PLLC, to speak to a family attorney if you have questions about child support or other family law matters.