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The determination of child support can be a complex and stressful process. While calculators exist, there are many variables that can yield a figure significantly different from what you might expect. You will want an experienced attorney to advise you and seek to obtain the best possible result for you.
Child Support
Each state has its own laws and guidelines on how child support is determined. Sometimes courts rely on a mathematical formula to calculate specific child support payments. The formula is used differently in every case, depending on the individual custody and visitation schedule. Usually, the parent that has primary custody (or the majority of the time with the children) is the parent who receives child support payments. In other words, who makes the payment will depend on the arrangement of child custody.en the two parents.
While some states use a guideline or formula to set child support, the courts have the power to decrease or increase support as they see fit when taking into account the unique circumstances of the family. In such cases, the judge considers a variety of factors to determine whether to deviate from the child support guidelines.
Child support can almost always be modified up until the date the child is emancipated. The courts recognize that a material change in circumstance can make it appropriate to modify the original child support amount. Courts may modify child support in various situations, including where the child is no longer in daycare or either parent’s income has undergone a drastic change.
Additional Things To Consider
Child support is always modifiable by a court upon a material change in financial circumstances. Generally this can include significant changes in income, increases in health care and/or child care costs, changes in the custody arrangement, the birth of other children (provided you have another material changes at the same time), the emancipation of children and changes in spousal support payments.
A court order directing the payment of child support is enforceable by holding a parent in violation in contempt of court. A parent found in contempt can be ordered to pay support, attorneys’ fees and even go to jail in some cases.
Virginia Child Support Calculator
The Virginia Child Support Calculator provides estimated child support payments. We provide this as a free service however you should always consult with an attorney about child support as most will have computer software to accurately calculate according to the guidelines in your specific jurisdiction. If you do not live in Virginia, click here for the National Child Support Calculator and choose the appropriate State.
The following key numbers will be needed to calculate estimated child support:
- Total annual Income (pre-tax) for both parents
- Estimated monthly health insurance cost for the child or children
- Monthly childcare costs, if applicable
- Number of overnight visitation days for each parent for a calendar year
Find out how to improve YOUR child support numbers
Disclaimer
The Virginia Child Support Calculator and guidelines listed on this webpage are provided for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. We attempt to provide quality information, but the law changes frequently and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Please note, the Virginia Child Support Calculator should only be used to estimate the amount child support would be in your case in the State of Virginia. If you live outside the State of Virginia, the link to the National Child Support Calculator has been provided above. The information and materials provided are general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation or legal circumstance. An attorney and client relationship should not be implied. Nothing on this website is intended as a substitute for the advice of an attorney; therefore, if you require legal advice please contact us by calling 800-516-3964, or emailing clientservices@wblaws.com .
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