Child Support Lawyer in Alexandria

When parents are no longer together, they each retain a financial responsibility to their minor children. This responsibility is addressed by child support, which is determined by Virginia’s careful calculation process. Ensuring that your children receive the financial support they deserve is of utmost importance, and our experienced Alexandria child support lawyers at Bristle Schulze have the legal skill to make a difference.

The Primary Factors for Calculating Child Support

While a range of varied factors can be considered when it comes to calculating child support, the primary concerns are each parent’s income, the number of children involved, and the child custody arrangements. Generally, the primary custodial parent receives child support payments from the non-custodial parent with a visitation schedule.

When the parents share parenting time more equally, the higher earner generally has the responsibility of paying child support. The fact that child custody is more balanced, however, can directly affect the amount of child support ordered.

The Duration of Child Support

The child support obligation generally lasts until the covered child reaches the age of 18. If they haven’t graduated from high school when they turn 18, however, the obligation extends until they turn 19 or they graduate, whichever happens first.

The Basic Child Support Calculation Process

The basic method of calculating child support in Virginia involves adding each parent’s income together to create a total. The percentage of this total that is assigned to the paying parent determines the amount of child support they are required to pay. This means paying that specific percentage of the total child support amount, which is determined by the state.

Additional concerns that can directly affect the amount of child support paid include the following:

• The cost of childcare
• The cost of insurance for the children, including their medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Any additional child support obligations that either parent has

Out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed $250 per year are generally shared by the parents in accordance with their respective incomes. For example, a parent whose income represents 60 percent of the total calculated amount will cover 60 percent of the additional expenses, while the other parent will cover the remaining 40 percent.

Modifications

When there is a material change in circumstances, the State of Virginia will consider child support modifications. Such changes generally involve a substantial change in income, which usually means a shift of at least 25 percent, a change in the child custody arrangements, or a change in one or more of the children’s needs. Child support reviews can also be requested every three years, without the need to prove a material change in relevant circumstances.

Our Experienced Alexandria Child Support Attorneys Are on Your Side

Our knowledgeable Alexandria child support lawyers at Bristle Schulze have a wealth of impressive experience successfully negotiating advantageous terms in even the most challenging cases. For more information about what we can do to help you, please don’t put off reaching out by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 703-454-0701 today.