Child support payments help meet children’s needs when parents live apart. In Virginia, several key factors are used to calculate child support amounts. Let’s look at the main things that impact child support in Virginia.
Income of Both Parents
The most critical factor in determining child support is the income of both parents. This includes:
- Salaries and wages
- Bonuses and commissions
- Income from investments
- Unemployment or disability benefits
- Pension or retirement income
The court looks at the combined income of both parents to set the basic child support amount. Child support calculations can be complex, especially with shared custody or high incomes. An experienced family law attorney can help ensure all factors are appropriately considered and child support is set fairly.
Number of children
Child support increases with more children. Virginia has guidelines that specify support amounts based on parents’ income and number of children.
Custody arrangements
The type of custody, whether sole, shared, or split, affects the calculation. Each arrangement has its specific guidelines.
Child-related expenses
Additional costs are factored into child support, including:
- Health insurance premiums for the children
- Work-related childcare expenses
- Extraordinary medical expenses
Courts may also consider the child’s unique needs, the standard of living during the marriage, tax consequences, debts of either parent and other financial resources available.
Virginia child support guidelines
Virginia uses a formula based on these factors to calculate the presumed correct child support amount. However, judges can deviate from the guidelines if it’s in the child’s best interest.
While Virginia has set guidelines, many factors go into determining the final child support amount. The goal is to meet children’s needs while being fair to both parents.
