Trusted Virginia Beach Child Support Lawyers

Navigating the complexities of child support can feel overwhelming, especially when it impacts your child’s well-being and financial security. Delays or unresolved child support issues can strain relationships, create uncertainty, and disrupt the stability your child deserves. Our dedicated Virginia Beach child support lawyers are here to provide compassionate guidance and ascertain that your child’s needs are met. Contact us today to take the first step toward resolution.

What is Child Support?

Child support is the financial commitment from both parents to care for the children of the couple. Virginia determines child support via the child support guidelines in the statutes and uses both parties’ incomes to determine how much the non-custodial parent pays. While one party pays the other, both must contribute to the essential needs of the child, including food, clothing, education, and healthcare.

What Does Child Support Cover in Virginia Beach?

In Virginia, as in other states, child support covers basic needs, including food, clothing, and shelter. Additional costs for health insurance, uncovered medical expenses, child care, special needs of the child, and education are usually added to the base amount.

Why Clients Choose Randall & Bruch, PC

When you need to ask the courts for child support, or are seeking enforcement or modification, contact Randall & Bruch, PC. Our law firm has experienced family law attorneys who can guide you through the process of obtaining the financial support you need for your children.

Testimonials

“Randall & Bruch are quick and responsive to your needs. They provide you with the tools you need and they take care of the rest. I highly recommend them.” – Annette B.

“I was kept well informed on all aspects of my case! I could not be happier with the representation that I was provided! 100 percent recommend….” – Adam T.

“Hiring this firm was the best thing I have done in years. They handled everything for me and the outcome was more awesome, thank you Randall & Bruch attorneys at Law !! 👍” – Amelia G.

How is Child Support Calculated in Virginia Beach?

The Statutes include a chart that determines the amount for each child based on the parents’ combined gross incomes. It then adds or subtracts spousal support, child support in another case, insurance premiums, healthcare coverage, and employment-related childcare expenses.

How is Income Determined?

According to Virginia Statutes, income includes, but is not limited to:

• Salaries and wages
• Commissions
• Royalties
• Bonuses
• Dividends
• Severance pay
• Pensions
• Trust income
• Interest
• Annuities
• Capital gains
• Social Security benefits

It does not include workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, disability insurance benefits, veteran’s benefits, spousal support, certain rental income or gifts, prizes and awards.

How Do Custody Arrangements Affect Child Support Calculations?

Child custody factors into the amount of child support each spouse pays. If the non-custodial parent has the children for more than 90 days, Virginia Statutes provide an additional calculation to compensate for extra days. This is designed to uphold fairness since the non-custodial parent will incur expenses while the child is with him or her.

What is the Average Child Support Payment in Virginia Beach?

Child support varies depending on your income and the number of children you have. Court-ordered payments ensure the child’s well-being by covering essential expenses such as childcare, education, and healthcare premiums.

How Long Do You Have to Pay Child Support in Virginia Beach?

The non-custodial parent must pay child support until the child turns 18 years of age. However, if the child is still a full-time high school student after turning 18, child support continues until the child graduates high school or turns 19 years of age, whichever comes first. If the child otherwise becomes emancipated before 18 or 19 years of age, such as joining the armed forces or marrying, you can ask the court to terminate child support.

Is There a Statute of Limitations on Child Support in Virginia?

Virginia has a statute of limitations for collecting unpaid child support, which is 20 years from the date of the original judgment. To pursue back payments and other relevant legal considerations regarding enforcement, the parent must file a petition with the appropriate court.

Can a Child Support Order Be Modified in Virginia Beach?

You can ask for a modification in the amount of child support if you or your ex-spouse experience a material change of circumstances, such as:

• Changes in income of either party
• Job loss through no fault of your own
• Changes in the needs of the child
• Significant life events that warrant a review and adjustment of existing support obligations, such as retirement or disability
• The child becomes emancipated
• The payor has a new child in a subsequent relationship
• A change in parenting time

What Happens if a Parent Fails to Pay Child Support?

As soon as you find that you are not able to pay child support, contact our Virginia Beach child support attorneys. The consequences for missing a payment are strict. The Commonwealth of Virginia takes child support seriously and can:

• Garnish your wages
• Suspend your license
• Enter a Motion to Show Cause for Contempt of Court for not paying child support

If the court grants the Motion to Show Cause, you could see jail time for not paying. You will receive a purge bond. Thus, if you owe $10,000 in support arrears, you either pay it or spend the full number of days in jail. If you still do not pay support, the cycle can repeat.

Let Us Guide You Through the Child Support Process

Whether you are going through a divorce, have paternity issues, child support issues, need help with a domestic violence case, or have another family law matter, Randall & Bruch, PC can guide you through the process and provide legal advice. Contact an experienced family lawyer at Randall & Bruch, PC by calling 757-742-6115 or completing our online contact form.