Strong Advocates, Compassionate Counselors

Virginia Lawyers Representing Custodial And Noncustodial Parents In Child Support Matters

At The Bice Law Group, our attorneys with more than three decades of experience representing custodial and noncustodial parents. After taking the time to learn about your situation, we can explain what the child support obligation in your case would look like under Virginia’s legal standards. We also handle negotiations and court proceedings when fairness dictates that other information should be considered when developing a child support order. Whether you are making initial arrangements, seeking to modify an existing order, or requiring help collecting the payments you are owed, we offer exceptional advice and advocacy.

How Is Child Support Calculated In Virginia?

Generally, Virginia child support rates reflect a formula that requires a certain percentage of the total parental income to be designated for their child’s needs. Each party’s obligation is calculated based on their share of the total parental income. Health insurance premiums and day care costs are also factored into the final result. When the child lives primarily with one parent, the other parent is responsible for sending their portion of the overall obligation. After thoroughly reviewing your situation, we can advise you on what the approximate child support amount would be and negotiate provisions to address expenses that fall outside of the standard formula, such as special medical costs and funds for extracurricular activities.

Common Issues That Affect Child Support In Lynchburg

After a divorce, disputes between parents could affect child support proceedings. As experienced Lynchburg family law attorneys, we know how to handle disagreements over the accuracy of income information and situations in which a parent might not be working in order to reduce their child support responsibility. You can count on us to represent your interests with the highest degree of skill and professionalism.

When Does Child Support End In Virginia?

State law requires parents to make child support payments until their children turn 18 years old or are granted legal emancipation. However, this obligation can be extended for up to a year if the youth is a full-time high school student. Extensions can also be granted if an adult child is disabled. In some cases, parents opt to make arrangements concerning higher education costs after their children have reached legal adulthood.

Can Child Support Orders Be Modified After Divorce?

Every three years, either parent has the right to have their child support amount reviewed. When a substantial change occurs before the three-year mark, parents can petition for a modification. Circumstances that warrant an adjustment include an increase or decrease of at least 25% in either parent’s income, day care expenses, or health insurance premiums. No matter how compelling the reason, you cannot make the change without authorization from the court. We can prepare the filing and supporting materials if you believe a modification is justified.

Skillful Advocates For Collecting Past Due Child Support

The Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement has several methods of enforcing compliance with existing orders. If you haven’t been receiving full, timely payments, waiting to take action could harm you and your children. Our attorneys can guide you through the different ways to secure past due and retroactive child support, which can include income withholding, suspension of a nonpaying parent’s driver’s license, and the initiation of a contempt proceeding in court.

Contact An Experienced Virginia Lawyer For A Free Consultation Regarding Child Support

Located in Lynchburg, The Bice Law Group provides comprehensive counsel on Virginia child support matters, including modification and enforcement actions. You can schedule a free initial consultation with David B. Bice by calling 434-509-0232 or contacting us online.