Child Support and Spousal Support
Learn More About Spousal and Child Support. Call 703-361-5051
Issues involving child support and spousal support can be emotional and contentious. When parents separate, each is forced to live on a reduced income, and this can be extremely stressful. It is important that support calculations be done correctly and that support obligations are enforced.
Don’t Let Emotions Rule Your Decisions — The Judge Won’t
Attorneys Robert H. Klima and Maureen A. Kersey understand the fine points of support calculations and know how to ensure that support is correctly figured and enforced.
Child Support Calculations
The purpose of child support is to provide for the needs of the children, not the custodial parent. Under Virginia law, child support calculations are based upon:
- The income of both parents
- How custodial time is divided
- Work related day care expenses
- The cost of health and dental insurance for the children
Although the formulas are fairly straightforward, there are many factors, which may justify a deviation for the formula. In many cases, income may be imputed to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. Children may have special needs. It is important to make sure that all-important factors have been taken into consideration.
Child support obligations may be modified for a variety of reasons following the divorce decree, including:
- A significant increase or decrease in income
- The emancipation of a child
- A change in the custodial arrangements
- The child’s changing health care needs
Once child support has been ordered, the parents cannot on their own agree to change the amount. A new court order is required.
Spousal Support, Alimony
Spousal support, which used to be called alimony, is an important factor when married persons separate. It is not available if persons where not married. Many different factors must be considered in the negotiation or award of spousal support. Virginia law does not provide a formula, as it does with child support. The length of the marriage, the needs of the parties and the earning capacity of the parties are just some of the factors to be considered.
Temporary spousal support can and should be awarded when people are waiting for a hearing on permanent support. The factors to be considered are different from those considered for permanent support.
Mr. Klima and Ms. Kersey can help you to arrive at the right amount of support, whether you are the party seeking it or the party who will be paying it. Make sure it’s right.
Contact Robert H. Klima, PC by e-mail or call 703-361-5051 to schedule a consultation.
