When parents get divorced, issues related to financial support for the children are often the most challenging to resolve. Finding an arrangement that meets your child’s needs while also maintaining financial security for both you and your ex-spouse could get contentious and delay the process. A Culpeper child support lawyer at Ashwell & Ashwell could help you reach a fair and amicable agreement.
Our local family attorneys understand that ending a marriage is an emotionally difficult time for you and your children, and we are here to provide support while we work towards a resolution. If you are seeking to establish, enforce, or modify a support order, come and talk with a member of our team to learn about your options.
Child support in the state is governed by Virginia Code § 20-108.2, which outlines how payments are calculated using factors like each parent’s income and custody arrangements. Judges use these guidelines to ensure that their order reflects both the parents’ resources and the best interests of the child.
However, this is not always a straightforward calculation. Determining what qualifies as income and shared custody arrangements can lead to disputes over the proper amount. Our experienced Culpeper attorneys could assist you and the courts in finding a fair child support plan. If one parent attempts to underreport their income, or if unusual expenses arise, we could provide a complete understanding of your family’s financial situation.
The process for obtaining a child support order typically begins when one parent files a petition with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Both parents then submit documents showing their respective financial situations, which the judge reviews and applies the statutory guidelines to decide on an appropriate payment plan.
Of course, things change and what worked before may not fit the current circumstances. For instance, one parent’s income may increase or decrease, or custody arrangements could be altered. Because of this, the law allows either parent to request a modification of an existing order when there has been a substantial change.
Our legal team is capable of representing either side of these support order petitions in family court. We could help you prepare the necessary documentation and advocate for you and your child at the hearings.
Unpaid maintenance can create significant financial hardship for a parent. The state’s Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) has authority to collect overdue payments through wage garnishment or intercepting tax refunds.
However, this is not automatic, and navigating DCSE procedures can be complicated. Our attorneys have years of experience handling child support cases in Culpeper and getting parents the money they need for their children.
For parents struggling to make their scheduled payments, it is better to seek legal advice than to ignore the obligations. We could also help parents pursue modifications or negotiate a plan to prevent further issues.
Financial issues involving your children are deeply personal, and often get emotional. Having a compassionate Culpeper child support attorney by your side could ease your burden by taking care of the paperwork and court deadlines. At Ashwell & Ashwell, we are focused on protecting what is most important, and that is your child’s well-being.
Our team is here to understand you and your child’s needs and begin working towards finding a solution. Contact Ashwell & Ashwell to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.
