Experienced Virginia Child Support Lawyers Assist Parents
Firm serves clients in Hampton, Newport News, Chesapeake and Norfolk
Divorce is hard on everyone involved, especially children. At Hunter Law Firm, our dedicated Virginia attorneys provide skilled legal assistance to see that children receive appropriate financial support throughout the divorce process and beyond. When you choose us for legal guidance, you can expect to receive personalized attention at every stage of the legal process. We go above and beyond to make sure our clients understand every aspect of the law and how it relates to their case, and when circumstances demand it, we are ready to advocate aggressively on your behalf.
Protecting the interests of children during the divorce process
Virginia law has an unusual requirement when it comes to determining support issues. While it is common in other jurisdictions for divorcing couples to override state guidelines by negotiating an out-of-court settlement on child custody and support issues, state law requires that the guidelines be followed in all situations.
As experienced child support lawyers, we ensure all guidelines are considered, including the following:
- The needs of the children, particularly those with special needs
- The financial status of both the custodial and non-custodial parent
- Other financial responsibilities of each parent, including support obligations for children with other relationship partners
- The need to pay educational expenses for college, even after a child reaches majority
- Prior agreements made by both spouses, which our Hampton support lawyers can help negotiate consistent with state guidelines
Each family law attorney at Hunter Law Firm has a detailed understanding of the complex provisions of Virginia child support law and draws on that knowledge to find solutions that meet the needs of all involved parties. We believe parents are the best judges of the best interests of their children, and our support attorneys in the Hampton Roads area develop creative ways to reach consensus among parents in a manner that satisfies the state’s legal requirements.
The final divorce decree is not always the end of child support issues
Many life changes — such as a loss of employment or a dramatic increase in income — may be grounds for modifying a child support award. This can occur at any time after the entry of the initial order until all children have reached the age of majority. Typically, an adjustment will be granted if the paying parent’s income has dropped by at least 25 percent. Our child support attorneys can initiate or oppose modification petitions when warranted. We also represent parents in child support enforcement proceedings. The Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement offers numerous ways to obtain funds from a noncustodial parent who has missed required payments. This includes the withholding of income and the suspension of driver’s and professional licenses.
Contact a Hampton Roads child support lawyer for a consultation
To discuss your child support concerns or a different type of family law matter with a Hunter Law Firm attorney, contact us online or call one of our four convenient offices, located in Hampton, Newport News, Chesapeake and Gloucester.
