Sound Advice About Child Support and Alimony
At MacDowell & Associates, our family law attorneys advise clients about their right to receive or obligation to pay the two primary ongoing financial commitments that are established in divorce — child support and spousal support. To learn how our practical approach to these issues can protect your interests while saving you time and money, contact us in Fairfax.
Child Support Commitments Are Calculated Under State Guidelines
There usually isn't much to argue about in the determination of child support obligations. The noncustodial parent will pay a fixed amount based on the number of children and the gross income of both parents. Child support obligations will be reduced if the paying parent has other child or spousal support obligations. The formula for determining child support payments is set out in the Virginia Child Support Guidelines, which is established by the Virginia General Assembly.
The guideline amount can be increased or decreased by agreement of the parents or adjusted in either direction by court order, but the reasons for varying child support will need to be clearly spelled out. The process can be complicated further in cases where the paying parent is self-employed or has an uneven recent earning history, and the income variable can be hard to pin down.
Our lawyers can advise you about all aspects of child support, from determining the initial obligation to modifying the payment or enforcing your rights after the divorce.
Spousal Support Is More Flexible and Negotiable Than Child Support
Whether you expect to receive or pay alimony in a Northern Virginia divorce, or if you question whether the spousal support terms of a prenuptial agreement will be honored in your divorce, our attorneys can review your circumstances and advise you accordingly.
Alimony is based on one spouse's need and the other's ability to pay. These issues are usually considered in settlement negotiations at the same time as property division questions, especially if the tax consequences of the agreement will make the marital estate effectively larger.
There may be a genuine question as to the financially weaker spouse's right to alimony beyond a short-term award. For an older spouse without significant work experience spousal support is usually called for and may last indefinitely.
Call 703-763-0923 for Advice About Support Issues in Fairfax County, Prince William County, Loudoun County and the City of Alexandria
Our law firm's focus on the practical considerations involved in both child support and alimony disputes means that we can usually find an efficient way to meet your needs on fair terms. To learn more about our ability to protect your interests, contact a lawyer at MacDowell & Associates in Fairfax.
