“He helped me get an appropriate agreement with a very uncooperative individual. I would recommend him to anyone.”
Every parent bears a legal responsibility to provide financial support for their child. If you are caring for a child, it’s important that the other parent contributes to this support. Whether you’re undergoing a divorce or were never married and seek child support, Sceviour & Associates stands ready to assist. We also advocate for individuals who pay child support and believe that their existing support order should be modified.
In many instances, unmarried couples establish informal agreements regarding financial contributions for the child. However, if these arrangements falter, it’s imperative to formalize a child support agreement. Child support orders are equally relevant in divorce scenarios, addressing the financial responsibilities when married parents conclude their relationship.
Child support denotes court-ordered payments from one parent to the custodial parent to help cover the costs associated with raising the child. In Virginia, child support obligations typically persist until the child reaches 19 years of age. However, this timeline could extend if the child remains in high school or possesses physical or mental conditions necessitating ongoing support.
Parents have several avenues to pursue child support on behalf of their child. Jointly, parents can reach an agreement and present it to a judge for approval, either as part of a divorce or within the context of family law proceedings. The initiation of most cases commences with a parent submitting an application for child support to the local branch of Virginia’s Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE).
The DCSE plays a vital role in helping locate the noncustodial parent if their whereabouts are unknown. This agency can establish paternity for children born out of wedlock, establish support obligations, oversee collection and distribution of support payments, and enforce support obligations through its Enforcement Division.
The determination of the support amount hinges on the child’s reasonable needs and the noncustodial parent’s reasonable ability to pay. Virginia’s legislature has formulated a set of support guidelines that courts utilize to calculate child support amounts.
Key factors within these guidelines include the parents’ incomes, childcare expenses, costs of medical insurance premiums, any social security benefits received by the child, and the child’s living arrangements. Courts are mandated to review support orders every three years.
While deviations from the guidelines are possible, obtaining judicial approval for such variations can be challenging. Once a support order is in effect, either parent has the right to request its modification if significant changes occur within the family’s circumstances. Situations warranting modification include:
- The addition of a child to the support order
- The child is no longer eligible for support due to changes in custody or emancipation
- A 25% or greater increase or decrease in healthcare coverage costs
- A 25% or greater increase or decrease in the custodial parent’s work-related childcare expenses
- A 25% or greater increase or decrease in either parent’s income
Should a modification of a child support order be necessary, similar to other family law matters, a collaborative approach between parents tends to expedite the process and reduce expenses. Exchanging financial information facilitates a comprehensive understanding of how changes in income and expenses can impact the child and both parents. In most cases, a new support amount aligns with the established guidelines, making an agreement between parents advantageous when requesting a modification.
For those residing in the Virginia Beach vicinity with inquiries regarding child support or seeking legal representation in child support matters, Sceviour & Associates is at your service. Reach out to us at (757) 644-6789 or complete our contact form to arrange a consultation, empowering you with knowledge to navigate child support issues effectively.
