
Experienced Child Support Attorneys
If you are seeking an award of child support, or if you have been served with a child support petition, our experienced family law attorneys can help. The process of calculating support and submitting evidence to the court in a way that is admissible can be difficult. Failure to properly argue your case may cost you thousands. In some cases, small differences can result in drastic changes to guideline support calculations. That’s why you need an attorney on your side who can help you make sense of the process. Our attorneys know the law and understand how to protect your interests in child support hearings.
What is Child Support?
Child support is a legal obligation, ordered by a Court, to provide financial support for raising a child. In Virginia and most other states, parents have a legal and unavoidable duty to support their minor children.
How long is child support paid in Virginia?
Under Virginia law, child support shall continue to be paid until a child turn 18 years of age. However, child support shall continue to be paid for any child over 18 years of age, so long as he or she is (i) a full-time high school student, (ii) not self-supporting, and (iii) living in the home of a parent receiving support, until the child reaches age nineteen or graduates high school, which ever first occurs.
The court may also order the continuation of support for any child over the age of 18 who is (i) severely and permanently mentally or physically disabled, (ii) unable to live independently and support himself, and (iii) resides in the home of the parent seeking or receiving child support. In addition, the court may confirm a stipulation or agreement of the parties which extends a child support obligation beyond when it would otherwise terminate as provided by law.
