It is the responsibility of the family courts to ensure children receive adequate support from both parents.
After a divorce, paternity determination, or custody case between parents, child support is the next critical step.
The goal of a child support case is to ensure the child receives fair, adequate support for each child. It is based on the number of overnight visits and each parent’s respective income.
While there are statutory guidelines, these are open to interpretation. Therefore, it is important to employ a family law attorney in Chesapeake for your child support case. By having an attorney like Bart Keil by your side, you can ensure your child and you receive adequate financial assistance.
How is Child Support Calculated in Virginia?
Child support is based on a variety of factors, including:
- Combined Income: The courts examine the total combined income of both parents. This is usually easy enough to do with a paystub. However, if one parent is self-employed, the process of calculating the combined annual income becomes problematic. The self-employed parent will need to submit tax returns, profit and loss statements, and other proofs of revenue for a more accurate calculation.
- Child Visitation Schedule: The child’s number of overnight visits with each parent are then considered. It is based on the number of overnights per year the child spends at each parent’s house.
- Support Per Year: The courts also consider the amount of financial support the child should receive on an annual basis from both parents. This is what the child would technically receive if parents remained together.
- Percentage: Lastly, the courts take a proportion of the financial responsibility and assign it to the non-custodial parent based on the percentage of what they earn and their number of overnights.
Child Support is Highly Complex
While these are the primary factors that go into determining child support, there are other factors. From insurance to educational costs, these can be negotiated. Therefore, you must turn to a family lawyer that understands these variables and can help you and your ex come to an agreement.
Most importantly, you need an amount that is in the best interest of the child and will help you support your child.
Contact an Experienced Family Law Attorney in Chesapeake Today
Attorney Bart Keil is up to date on the latest child support codes and guidelines. He can ensure that you receive an adequate amount or do not pay more than necessary in child support.
Schedule a consultation today at 757-548-2323 or request more information online.
