In the Commonwealth of Virginia, both parents, whether married or not, are obligated to support their children. In the event of separation or divorce, the determination of child support is one of the main issues to be resolved. The Code of Virginia provides specific guidance in this regard.
Determination of child support is based upon the combined incomes of both parents. Each parent is responsible for a percentage of the entire child support amount, which includes health care, dental care and other expenses such as childcare related to the child. The actual dollar amount to be paid is calculated by taking these numbers and applying the child support guidelines enumerated in the Code of Virginia. While there is a rebuttable presumption that the amount of child support provided by the guidelines is correct, the Code of Virginia provides a process by which a parent may challenge that amount.
The custody arrangement affects how the overall child support amount is split between the parties. A sole custody arrangement occurs where the child lives with one parent all the time. Split custody arrangements divide multiple children among the parents. A shared custody arrangement is where a parent has custody or visitation of a child for more than 90 days of the year. Depending upon the specific custody arrangement, the amount of child support to be paid to the custodial parent may change.
Once a child support order is in place, it can be changed in certain circumstances by a Court.
For more information about child support in Virginia, contact an experienced attorney at Paulson & Paulson, PLC.