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Child support improves children’s lives

On Behalf of | Dec 19, 2016 | Family Law

Although every single parent in Virginia may not be married, all noncustodial parents should contribute to their children’s financial and emotional care. Research indicates that the majority of children who are raised in a single-parent home encounter more financial hardships than those raised in a two-parent home. The lack of financial support can take a toll on the custodial non-married parent, particularly with handling the daily responsibilities of raising children.

Despite the execution of the federal Child Support Enforcement Program, the lack of child support still exists. Statistics shows that during the past decade, the number of child support agreements have decreased. This problem not only leaves a child vulnerable to poverty but exposes children to developmental issues as well. When absentee parents are involved in their children’s lives, relationship cohesiveness improves.

Some parents have been able to get away with not meeting their financial support obligations, which suggests that this federal child support program has not been enforced the way it should be. However, there are many factors that may prevent some parents from fulfilling their financial obligations, such as unemployment, lack of job skills, and other reasons.

When single custodial parents are struggling to support children on their own, a family law attorney may be able to assess and determine the terms that can be established regarding child support payments. Since petitions have to be filed within specific time frames, it is important to seek legal counsel from an attorney who is knowledgeable about collaborative family law terms. By doing so, errors may be avoided regarding post-divorce modification terms, spousal support, adoption, child support, alimony, or child custody.

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