EMAIL
CALLIf you are paying child support to your ex, it can be frustrating not to have a clear understanding of how it is being used. This is not, however, the court’s concern. The State of Virginia does not keep tabs on how child support is spent because it begins with the presumption that the funds are used to help support the involved children, which is the goal. Only if there is a valid concern about your children’s basic needs being ignored would you have a case. Sometimes, however, child support modifications are in order. Seek the help you are looking for from our experienced Virginia child support attorneys at Bristle Schulze.
How Child Support Is Used in Virginia
There is no requirement regarding itemized accounting for child support in Virginia. This means that your ex doesn’t need to keep receipts or create a budget in relation to the child support payments you make. The state does not impose strict rules like this because it presumes that the funds are used for general expenses, such as providing children with a home, food, and clothing.
If you have reason to believe that your children’s needs aren’t being effectively addressed when they are with their other parent, it is another story. Typically, however, this isn’t the case, which means you’ll need to find a way to accept how your children’s other parent chooses to use the child support you pay.
When Child Support Can Be Modified in Virginia
If there has been a proven change in relevant circumstances that is considered material since your current orders were handed down, it could support a child support modification. If it’s been at least three years since your current order was entered or since its last modification, you’re also entitled to a review.
The kinds of factors that are most likely to support a child support modification in Virginia include the following:
- Either parent’s income has increased or decreased considerably, which generally means a change of at least 25 percent.
- The paying parent has lost their job.
- There has been a significant shift in how the children split their time between both parents.
- A child’s needs have changed in relation to their medical expenses, their mental health, or their education.
- Another significant life event has occurred, such as having additional dependent children, being incarcerated for more than 180 days, or suffering a disability.
When it comes to child support concerns, there are challenging legal intricacies involved. This makes it in your best interest to have a diligent child support lawyer in your corner from the start.
Our Experienced Virginia Child Support Lawyers Are Standing By to Help
Our focused Virginia child support attorneys at Bristle Schulze draw on the full scope of our extensive experience and legal skill for every client we faithfully represent, and we’ll do the same for you. Learn more by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 703-454-0701 today.