HOW IS CHILD SUPPORT CALCULATED IN VIRGINIA?
When parents of minor children decide to separate, one of their first questions is how much child support they will pay or receive. Child support is calculated using a Virginia state standard worksheet. There are several factors that impact and determine child support:
- Parent’s incomes. The gross monthly income of both parents is used to calculate the amount payable. The amount of support varies by the income of the parents. If the parents make comparable incomes, support may be waived. If one parent makes significantly more than the other parent, they will be the one making child support payments.
- Spousal support payments. If one parent is making spousal support payments to the other parent, that amount is considered.
- Health insurance. The parent carrying the child’s health insurance receives credit for those payments.
- Child care expenses. The expenses of child care are considered. Extracurriculars such as sports for older children are not considered for these purposes, but the division of these expenses may be addressed in a Property Settlement Agreement.
- Number of children, and ages of children, for whom support is due. Support is due for children who are in high school or younger, even if they are eighteen. If a child will not graduate high school until they are nineteen, support is still owed until they graduate. Disabled children who will require care and assistance past high school may be able to receive indefinite support, regardless or their age.
How Can I Ensure My Child Support Payments Are Fair?
The best way to ensure you are paying or receiving a fair amount of child support is to hire an attorney, such as Michelle Hopkins, to review the finances and circumstances of your child support matter. She will calculate support to give you an idea of what the numbers could potentially be, and advocate on your behalf if your spouse does not agree to the initially proposed amount of child support.
Schedule A Consultation Today
The calculation of child support in Virginia is a simple process that some attempt to do on their own, but it is best to have the assistance of an attorney to ensure that it is done properly and a fair amount is agreed upon. Michelle Hopkins and her legal team has extensive experience in this area. They are ready to help you with your child support calculation. Contact Michelle Hopkins’ office at info@mhopkinslaw.com or 571-248-2210 to schedule a consultation today.