Child Support in Manassas Virginia
Child Custody, Visitation and Child Support cases can be adjudicated in two different Courts in Virginia, which are the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and the Circuit Court. Your situation will determine what court you will be in.
Cases in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court are where the parties were never married, but they have children in common.
Parties that are married can utilize the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court as well if they are unable to file for divorce in Circuit Court to have an Order entered while they wait out the separation period.
Parties that are in Circuit Court to decide these legal matters are there because it is part of divorce proceedings, or they are seeking a modification from a previous Order of the Circuit Court.
No matter what Court decides child custody and child visitation, the standard is the same, what is in the best interest of the minor children. The Court reviews several factors, which are found in the Virginia Code §20.124.3, to determine what is in the best interests of the minor children.
Not one factor is more important than the other, and the facts and circumstances around a particular case will determine which elements are the most important in determining what is in the best interest of the children.
How is Child Support Determined in Virginia?
Child support is determined using the Virginia Child Support Guidelines, which means that there is a statutory presumption as to the amount of child support that should be paid. Virginia Code §20-108.2, specifically outlines how much child support a party may have to pay in VA.
Child Support Deviation
Virginia does allow for a deviation to the child support guidelines for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to the agreement of the parties and extraordinary expenses for minor children such as medical or educational needs.
Other issues that factor into child support are any work-related childcare expenses and the cost to have the minor children covered under health insurance.
Work-related childcare expenses are exactly what they sound like, how much money do you have to pay a babysitter, daycare provider, etc. to watch your children while you are at work. This does not cover if you want to go out on the weekend or if you do not work and want to place your children in daycare.
The amount that the custodial parent pays for work-related childcare expenses will be factored into how much child support an individual should receive.
Health Insurance – With regards to health insurance, one party, if one is able, will be ordered by the Court to provide health insurance for the minor child/children. The amount that the party pays to provide health insurance only for the children will be factored into the child support amount determination as well.