How Is Child Support Determined?

Helping You Receive Fair And Full Child Support

Virginia courts recognize that it is difficult to raise a child well on a single income, which is why they require unmarried or divorced parents to pay child support. When your child’s financial welfare depends on the amount of support you receive, it is critical to work with a lawyer who knows the legal system and gets results.

Since 1977, Tesler & Werblood has successfully defended our clients’ interests in Falls Church and the surrounding communities. We will aggressively pursue fair and full child support orders because we believe your child deserves nothing less. We are ready to use our vast knowledge of Virginia’s child support guidelines and other family law matters to help you secure favorable results.

Calculating Child Support

Family court judges approve child support orders that reflect the child’s financial needs and each parent’s ability to pay. Judges use state guidelines to determine a fair amount when parents are not able to agree to terms on their own. Our lawyers are intimately familiar with state child support calculations, so we can prepare a strong argument for a reasonable monthly payment.

What Factors Determine Child Support Amounts?

Representing yourself in child support negotiations or court is risky if you do not know which factors determine support obligations. In Virginia, parents are financially responsible for their child’s:

• Basic living expenses, which include shelter, food and clothing
• Health care
• Education

Your income and your parental obligations will affect the amount of your child support order. We are able to assist you with child custody and visitation negotiations, which will have a large impact on your financial obligations.

We negotiate for fair child support terms that address your child’s needs beyond these basic costs. We have secured orders that include other expenses, such as:

• Child care
• Fees for extracurricular activities, including uniforms and transportation
• Tutoring and SAT or ACT prep classes
• Medical expenses that are not covered by health insurance
• Travel costs for visitation

As your advocates, we will create a legal strategy that is tailored to your unique financial circumstances. We understand that resolving a child support matter is stressful, which is why you can rely on us to give you honest and cost-effective advice.

Before You Act, Get A Free Evaluation Of Your Options

Make an appointment to discuss your family law matter with a knowledgeable attorney. We do not charge for our initial consultations because we want you to be informed before you take legal action.

Reach us via our online contact form or by calling 703-534-9300.