Child support amounts are established on a case-by-case basis depending upon set guidelines set forth by Virginia law. In determining child support, the court will identify each parent's gross monthly incomes (including spousal support), the child(ren)'s medical and dental insurance premium expenses, and day care expenses. Based on these factors, the legislature has determined a “guideline” child support payable by the non-custodial parent. This guideline figure is presumed to be the correct amount of child support. However, there are instances that support a deviation from that figure. We can help ensure that the support you are ordered to pay or are to receive is based on a correct calculation under the guidelines and whether any deviation factors might apply.
Child support is ordinarily payable until the child turns 18. However, if the child is still in high school at age 18, support will continue until the earlier of the child’s (1) graduation from high school or (2) his/her 19th birthday. Unless the child suffers from some permanent mental or physical disability (which might require child support to continue), the court has no further power to order a parent to pay child support. Thus, a court cannot order a parent to contribute towards a child’s college or other post-high school educational or living expenses.