Raising a child comes with a price. Not only is it a long-term commitment caring for the child but it also comes with many costs. The price tag of childrearing can be costly, and when parents are no longer together due to a breakup, separation or divorce, it can feel overwhelming.
Although each parent should pay an equitable portion of these costs, it often does not work out this way. Thus, financial support is important to request and establish.
Requesting child support
In the state of Virginia, there is a formula that is utilized to establish how much a parent should pay in child support. This formula does not only consider the income of each parent but it assesses the amount of parenting time each parent has. Often, the noncustodial parent will pay child support; however, child support is still available in situations where each parent has equal parenting time.
Change in circumstances
At Schmergel & Mersberger, PLC, our attorneys understand that the needs surrounding child support change as the child grows. While the need to increase child support is often related to the increase in costs associated with the child, this is not always the reason to deviate from the current child support order.
If there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant reduction or increase in income, this could alter the amount of child support that the supporting parent must pay. If a parent is unable to keep up with child support payments, this could give cause to seek a reduced amount.
Similarly, if a noncustodial parent experiences a substantial increase in pay, child support could increase in accordance with the formula established by state statute.
Each family law matter is unique, much like each family is unique. Thus, how you approach a child support matter is also unique to the situation. Whether it is seeking a certain amount, enforcing a current support order or requesting a deviation from the current amount, it is imperative that you understand how the current state statutes apply to your matter. This can help you take the steps necessary to better protect your rights and interests.
