Both parents have the responsibility of financially supporting their children, regardless of marital status.
Factors for Determining Child Support
The Virginia Code provides guidelines that determine the presumptive child support amount based upon:
- Age, physical and mental condition of the child and each party
- Combined gross monthly income of both parents
- Number of children
- Percentage of time the children are in the physical custody of each parent
- Cost of providing health insurance for the children
- Amount of work-related daycare expenses
- Extraordinary medical and/or dental expenses of the children
The court may deviate from the guidelines in cases in which the presumptive guideline support amount is inappropriate or unfair based upon the circumstances of a particular case. Exceptions for deviation may include special needs children or support payable to a parent with minimal living expenses.
Termination of Child Support
Parents are required to provide financial support until a child reaches the age of 18. Child support is required beyond 18 if the child continues to be a full-time high school student, is not self-supporting, and still resides in the residence of the parent seeking or receiving support. Under these circumstances, child support will continue until the child reaches the age of 19 or graduates from high school, whichever is first to occur.
The court may order continuing support for a child beyond 18 if that child is severally and permanently mentally or physically disabled and unable to live independently.
For more information on how we can assist you, contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.
Pamela M. Pacetti
Attorney at Law
3919 Old Lee Highway, Suite 82-C
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Telephone: 703-591-0056
Facsimile: 703-591-2443
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