If you are a parent navigating a divorce, you know that child support is an ongoing issue until your children are no longer minors. Whether you are seeking child support payment or a modification to an order, state courts always prioritize the interests of the children. We could ensure your child’s needs are met while protecting your parental rights.
You might think child support is simply a number calculated using your paycheck, but the state views this obligation as a duty of both parents to support their children once a divorce is imminent. If you wish to establish an initial child support order, modify an existing one, or enforce payments, it is a good idea to seek assistance from a family law attorney. A Richmond child support lawyer from our firm could help you protect your children and your financial future.
Our lawyers could guide the custodial parent in filing a petition for child support in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, the first step in establishing a child support order. If you are divorcing, we could initiate the order during the proceedings. Your spouse will be served the legal papers to ensure they comply with the process.
Both parents must provide extensive financial information, including income from all sources, as well as any relevant documents. This allows the court to apply the child support guidelines outlined in Virginia Code § 20-108.2 to calculate the monthly responsibility of both parents. Financial disclosures include:
The court will consider any other financial disclosure in accordance with the state’s statutory guidelines to determine the parental contribution amount, the number of children, and the custody arrangement, whether it is shared, sole, or split. You, your spouse, and your respective lawyers will have the opportunity to present information and comments at a court hearing.
Judges have discretion to ensure the amount determined is fair to everyone. However, the child support process can be complicated, and an experienced Richmond attorney could offer strategic guidance.
If you and your ex-partner already have a child support order in place, we could assist with the modification process if a significant change in circumstances occurs. Changes that the court will consider include a substantial increase or decrease in one party’s finances, a change in custody arrangement, or the child receiving support being emancipated.
Our attorneys could serve as your best source of experienced representation, fulfilling a dual role in advocating for you. A Richmond lawyer could work to protect your children, as they deserve the stability that child support offers, while ensuring that support arrangements are fair to you.
State courts discourage non-payment of child support, with numerous penalties that come with enforcement. The Virginia Department of Social Services, through its Division of Child Support Enforcement, has legal options to force payment, including:
Our child support payments attorneys could also help you seek enforcement through the court system in Richmond, which can hold the non-custodial parent in contempt for failing to pay child support.
If you and your estranged spouse are divorcing, your children’s welfare is crucial. If you are a custodial parent, receiving child support can ensure your children’s lives are stable and that their needs are met.
Establishing support can be stressful, as can seeking to modify it when circumstances change. If you are not receiving payments, a seasoned Richmond child support lawyer from Ashwell & Ashwell could provide the guidance you need throughout this complicated process. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
A criminal defense attorney serves as your advocate and guide throughout every stage of your legal proceedings. From the moment of arrest or charge, your attorney will explain your rights, help you understand the charges against you, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your case. They will investigate the facts, review evidence, file pretrial motions, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or plea agreements, and represent you vigorously at trial if necessary. Your attorney ensures that law enforcement and the prosecution respect your constitutional rights at every turn, working to achieve the best possible outcome on your behalf.
In general, the civil litigation process encompasses several crucial stages, beginning with the Pleadings phase, where parties formally outline their claims and defenses. Following that, the Discovery stage allows both sides to gather evidence through depositions and document requests to support their case. Pre-trial motions aim to resolve the case or limit issues before trial. If unresolved, the process moves to Trial, where the case is argued in court. Finally, the Appeal phase offers a chance to challenge the trial’s outcome. Each stage is pivotal, designed to ensure fairness and resolve disputes effectively.
A DUI conviction in Virginia carries serious consequences that can affect many areas of your life. For a first offense, you may face fines starting at $250, a 12-month license suspension, mandatory enrollment in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP), and possible jail time. Subsequent offenses result in significantly harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions, higher fines, mandatory minimum jail sentences, and the possibility of felony charges. A DUI conviction also creates a permanent criminal record, which can impact your employment, insurance rates, and professional licenses. Our attorneys work aggressively to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Our family law attorneys handle a wide range of matters affecting families and individuals. We represent clients in divorce and legal separation proceedings, including both contested and uncontested cases. We also handle child custody and visitation disputes, child support and spousal support (alimony) matters, equitable distribution of marital property, and the enforcement or modification of existing court orders. Additionally, our attorneys assist with adoption proceedings, paternity actions, domestic violence protective orders, and prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Whatever your family law matter, our team is committed to protecting your rights and the well-being of your family.
A comprehensive Virginia estate plan typically includes several key documents. A Last Will and Testament outlines how your assets will be distributed and may name a guardian for minor children. A Revocable Living Trust allows assets to pass to beneficiaries without going through probate. Financial Powers of Attorney designate someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated, while a Healthcare Power of Attorney and Advance Medical Directive (Living Will) specify your healthcare preferences and appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Beneficiary designations on life insurance policies and retirement accounts are also critical components. Our estate planning attorneys will work with you to ensure all documents are properly drafted and reflect your wishes.
