You may worry about your child’s financial security when you and the other parent never married. Virginia law requires both parents to support their child. However, before you receive a support order, you must establish legal parentage. A court or state agency may...
Child Support
Can paying parents ask for an accounting of child support use?
People subject to child support orders often feel stressed about their financial obligations. Fulfilling the order may leave them with very little disposable income to spend on personal needs each month. They may resent their obligations and even question whether the...
Should you return to court for child support in Virginia?
Virginia’s child support system is built around a clear statutory framework, and the law makes one point unmistakable — child support orders do not update automatically. If your financial circumstances or your child’s needs have changed significantly, you must return...
Who covers medical expenses if there’s a child support order?
Addressing a child's medical needs can be costly for a parent. Adults usually have to provide health insurance coverage for their children. They are also responsible for any uncovered medical expenses until their children become adults. Married or cohabitating...
Is college tuition part of child support obligations?
Parents in Virginia often ask if child support continues once a child begins college. While many hope support will help with tuition and related expenses, Virginia law sets clear limits on how long court-ordered child support lasts. Understanding these rules can help...
What costs can child support help cover?
Child support helps balance out financial discrepancies between parents. In scenarios where one parent has the children more and therefore commits more capital to their upbringing, child support can help even out the contributions of the parents. When there is a vast...
Can non-custodial parents claim dependents for tax?
Tax season brings many questions, especially when children are involved. Understanding who can claim a child as a dependent can significantly impact your tax obligations and child support calculations. Let us explore how Washington, DC law, addresses these issues. Who...
When and how should you seek child support modifications?
Navigating child support modifications can be challenging for parents, especially in the fast-paced Washington DC metro area. Understanding when and how to seek these changes is crucial for ensuring that child support arrangements meet your family's evolving needs. ...
What to do if your former spouse refuses to pay child support
Child support ensures children receive the financial resources they need for a stable upbringing. It covers essential needs such as education, healthcare, housing and daily living expenses. A former spouse refusing to pay can create financial strain and affect your...
Child support beyond 18: A guide for parents
As your child approaches their 18th birthday, you might wonder about the future of your financial responsibilities. In Virginia and the District of Columbia, child support typically concludes when a child turns 18 or finishes high school, whichever comes later....



