Do I Have to Pay Child Support if I Share 50/50 Custody?

Both parents are responsible for supporting their shared children financially, and when they are no longer together, this is accomplished through child support payments. When parents split their time with their children right down the middle, there is a tendency to believe that it voids the need for child support, but that is not how it works in Virginia. The State of Virginia employs the income shares model, which takes each parent’s income into account relative to the other. And the higher earner generally has the child support obligation. Our experienced Virginia child support attorneys at Bristle Schulze are standing by to help.

Child Support: Virginia’s Income Shares Approach

Child support in Virginia is calculated using the income shares model. This means it is calculated relative to the parents’ combined earnings. Child support is then determined in direct proportion to the relative size of each parent’s income. The basics include the following:

• The parents’ gross monthly incomes are added together.
• Baseline child support is calculated based on the number of children in the case and the parents’ combined income.
• The percentage of the combined income that each parent earns determines their child support obligation.

If one parent covers direct expenses, such as health insurance or work-related daycare, these amounts are also factored into the calculation process.

Further, when one parent assumes the primary custodial role, which involves having the children most of the time, their child support contribution is presumed covered. This means that the parent with the visitation schedule is responsible for paying their proportionate amount of child support.

When parents share their time with the children more evenly, however, the court takes a different stance. Having skilled legal guidance backing you up can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

If You and Your Ex Share Custody 50/50

If you and your ex share 50/50 custody of your children, it does not mean that neither of you will be required to pay child support. Instead, the parent who earns more is very likely to have a child support obligation. The child support owed, however, will reflect the difference between the two proportionate child support amounts. This means that the amount assigned to the parent who doesn’t have a child support obligation will be subtracted from the amount the paying parent would have owed if they had a visitation schedule.

Our Experienced Virginia Child Support Lawyers Care about You and Your Case

Our formidable Virginia child support attorneys at Bristle Schulze will spare no effort in our quest to resolve your case favorably. The outcome of your child support case is important to both you and your children, and we appreciate the opportunity to help. For more information about everything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 703-454-0701 today.