Fairfax Child Support Lawyers

Sound Advice About Child Support in Virginia

At MacDowell & Associates, our family law attorneys advise clients about their right to receive or obligation to pay child support. To learn how our practical approach to these issues can protect your interests while saving you time and money, call 703-763-0923 for advice about support issues in Fairfax County, Prince William County, Loudoun County and the City of Alexandria.

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.

Contact MacDowell & Associates

We can advise you about all aspects of child support, from determining the initial obligation and establishing a plan for college funding to modifying the payment or enforcing your rights after divorce.

Our law firm's focus on the practical considerations in child support 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, Virginia.