Child Support Modification in Virginia
Norfolk VA Child Support Lawyers – Family Law Attorneys
Norfolk Virginia divorce lawyers routinely handle all of the details when their clients have decided to file for divorce, and there is a lot that needs to be addressed. Some people may think that when the couple is in agreement about the terms, including things like the division of property and debt, spousal support, and child custody and support arrangements, they really don’t need a lawyer. It is true that there is no law that requires anyone to retain an attorney, but the fact is that a divorce is a legal proceeding, and it is never advisable to “go it alone” when you are dealing with the courts for any reason.
Going through a divorce, even if it is not especially acrimonious, can be very stressful, and it is only natural to feel relieved when the proceeding is final. Many couples feel as though that day signals the end of any legal issues surrounding their former marriage, but in fact, there may be future matters that need to be addressed, and one of these is child support modification.
The original child support amount that was either agreed upon by both parties or decided by the court may not be appropriate as time goes on. People frequently earn more money as they progress along their career paths, and their ability to provide for their children increases along with the size of their paycheck. Plus, the children themselves will usually have greater needs as they get older that call for an increase in child support payments. According to Virginia law these changed circumstances must equate to a difference of at least 10% in the child support payment amount (via state guidelines) to be relevant enough to warrant a child support modification.
On the other hand, required child support payments can be reduced due to changing circumstances as well. If the custodial parent was to inherit a large sum of money or enjoy significantly increased earnings, or if the non-custodial parent was to lose his or her job or suffer some other financial hardship, child support modification may be in order. Child support is an issue that is not resolved on the day that the divorce becomes final, and this is something that everyone who is going though a divorce should understand.
