Stafford, Virginia Child Support Lawyers

Experienced Attorneys for Child Support Concerns in Stafford

Child support is a powerful mechanism to ensure that a child has access to both parents' financial resources when the family does not live together. If you are currently going through a divorce, figuring out who is responsible for child support and how much will have to be paid may be one of your biggest concerns. A Stafford child support attorney can help address any issues you may have, providing you with smart legal advice and strong representation.

At Meyer & Bowden, PLLC, our legal team is here to stand up for your parental rights, whether you are paying or receiving support for your child. We have over 50 years of shared experience, so you can trust that your case will be handled by a knowledgeable law firm.

Who Pays Child Support in a Virginia Divorce?

When parents separate or divorce in Virginia, both custodial and non-custodial parents share a responsibility to support their children. The non-custodial parent, who does not live with the child the majority of the time, typically pays monthly child support to the custodial parent. Support is calculated based on each parent's gross income, number of overnights, the number of children, and certain added expenses. Courts consider:

• Parents' gross incomes, including wages, bonuses, commissions, and self-employment earnings
• Health insurance premiums for the children
• Work-related childcare costs
• Extraordinary medical or educational expenses

Judges may deviate from guideline amounts if strict application would be unjust or inappropriate. For example, if one parent supports additional dependents or if a child has special needs, the court may order a higher or lower payment to reflect fairness and the child's best interests.

When Can You Modify Child Support Payments?

Life circumstances are always subject to change, and there may come a point when the original child support order may no longer fit current needs. A parent may file a motion to modify support if a material change in circumstances has occurred since the last order. Typical reasons include significant increases or decreases in a parent's income, changes in the child's healthcare requirements, or a shift in custody time-sharing arrangements.

To request a modification, the moving party must submit a written petition to the court that issued the original support order. The petition should document the changed circumstances, such as recent pay stubs, medical bills, or proof of new childcare expenses. Once the court verifies the change and its impact on the child's welfare, a judge may amend the support amount up or down. If the modification is granted, the revised payment obligation applies from the date the petition was filed.

Enforcing Child Support in Stafford, Virginia

When a parent willfully fails to pay court-ordered child support, the custodial parent may pursue enforcement through the Stafford Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Available remedies include:

• Income withholding orders to deduct support payments directly from wages
• Contempt proceedings that can result in fines or jail time
• Liens on real estate or bank accounts
• Intercepting tax refunds
• Suspension of driver's, professional, or recreational licenses

The Virginia Department of Social Services can also assist with enforcement by locating absent parents and collecting past-due support. Our Stafford child support attorneys can help you compile evidence of missed payments, file the proper motions, and follow up with enforcement actions that protect your child's financial security.

Contact a Stafford, VA Child Support Attorney

At Meyer & Bowden, PLLC, our firm represents both custodial and non-custodial parents in effectively establishing, modifying, or enforcing support orders when circumstances change. We fight tirelessly to uphold fairness and secure reliable financial support for your child under Virginia law. Call 703-722-8692 or contact our Stafford, Virginia child support attorneys to discuss your case.