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CALLWhen a child’s parents are no longer together, the child has the right to financial support from both parents. Child support is the answer to this concern, and it is calculated according to the state’s clear guidelines, which take each parent’s income in relation to the other’s into consideration. While you and your children’s other parent can hammer out your own child support agreement, the court will need to make it official. And before they’ll do that, you’ll need to demonstrate that it’s in your children’s best interests, which is a tall order. Our experienced Virginia child support attorneys at Bristle Schulze encourage you to reach out for the help you need.
Virginia’s Approach
While some states calculate child support based on the paying parent’s income, Virginia takes a different approach. The state uses what’s called the income shares model, and both parents’ incomes play a role.
The Base Calculation Amount
The base child support calculation in Virginia is determined by adding both parents’ incomes. From here, the base child support amount is determined as a function of total income and the number of children covered in the case. At this point, each parent’s percentage of the base amount is calculated.
If one parent has the children for most of their overnights, they serve in the primary custodial role. And their child support is presumed to be covered by the cost of providing the children with their primary home. The other parent is therefore obligated to make child support payments at the base amount.
When Custody is Split Down the Middle
Even when child custody is split right down the middle, the higher earner generally retains the payment obligation. Their base amount, however, will be reduced by the other parent’s base amount.
Expenses that Factor In
It’s important to point out that all the following expenses, and which parent covers each, also factor into child support calculations in Virginia:
- The cost of the children’s insurance coverage for health, dental, and vision
- The cost of the children’s childcare while their parents are working
- The children’s medical expenses that aren’t covered by insurance
The Child Support Arrangement You Make with Your Ex
Informal arrangements or handshake deals between parents regarding child support are not legally binding in Virginia, and they could get you into trouble. The child support order handed down by the court remains in effect until the children age out or until the court officially modifies it.
You can present the court with an agreement that you and your ex have mutually agreed on. The burden of proving that it supports your children’s best interests, however, remains with you.
Turn to Our Experienced Virginia Child Support Lawyers for the Help You Need
Our persuasive Virginia child support attorneys at Bristle Schulze will leave no stone unturned in support of your rights. For more information about our commitment to you and your case, please don’t wait to reach out by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 703-454-0701 today.